OPERATION BLACK VOTE -THE LAUNCH PARTY!

Tracey Dunn Reports for Toxteth08.

People from liverpool's black and ethnic minority community (called shadows) have been appointed to work closely with local councillors. 'Operation Black Vote', launched the scheme in the hall of rememberance at Liverpool Town Hall. Around 70 community groups, councillors and proud guests converged before entering the council chambers.

People chatted before a memorial to 13,245 mainly scouse soldiers who died in war.

Lord Mayor (Steve Rotheram) spoke to seated guests: 'I want people from all diverse communities to attend drop in surgeries and have a chat on any subject.'

Rotheram recognized a much needed change to attitudes and ethnic mix in the council.

'Liverpool City Council is fully embracing cultural diversity'.

But Simon Wooley from Operation Black Vote, based in East London, made a joke about the Lord Mayor's "bling" - his gold chain. "What is culture?" asked he. It is peoples history, some tragic, some shameful but glorious too.

He reminded us that the Beatles were inspired by the black music entering the port of Liverpool.

He recognized a need that the council should represent all the people,'we should recognize ourselves in them'.

We want your voice, your presence.We must break down stubborn beliefs and prejudices.

There must not be a gloss over- it must be the real deal. Those handpicked by the council to shadow councillors can now say, 'this great institution belongs to us too'.

Warren Bradley thanked Andrew Nebard, equality officer, Gloria Hyatt, Eva Davis and Laurence Westgaph. He held up Laurence's booklet on street signs relating to the slave trade and said we must teach our children and our children's children about this. He thanked all councillors and mentioned Martin Luther King's words 'be better than yourself'.

Mr.Bradley also thanked Operation Black Vote and political parties in the city council for their efforts in reaching out to diverse communities.He spoke of those disenfranchised in Liverpool 8.

Mr. Bradley wanted to encourage and nurture people to become involved in local political life and admitted the council wasn't represenative.In a city where 65 different dialects are spoken it is crucial for MP's to engage with every community,barriers must be removed.

Councillor Joe Anderson said 'Liverpool to me has a lot to learn and must accept mistakes we've made and make things better.There is not enough engagement.Bring in the Black and Ethnic Minority (BME) groups and communicate better.There is a need to change the way we engage.Too many dissaffected people-only a 27% turnout in local elections. Do things differently, move forward and work together'.

Councillor Steve Radcliffe said he was cynical at first and had seen a lot of token efforts. He was deeply impressed by the rigour and depth of today's programme; absolutely delighted. Wants all to partake in public life.
Chris Walsh, head of community services with 25 years experience talked of 'playshapers'- pro active campaigns to encourage people to become councillors, especially the young.

Only 4.1% of Liverpool City Councillors are from an ethnic background. He wants to 'grow our own leaders' and move forward.

Councillor Anna Rothery has been described as a 'trailblazer' for councillors as she is the only black woman in power in Liverpool.

She was very emotional and read from her notes.She welcomed all shadows very warmly. She continues to work with Operation Black Vote and is both proud and ashamed to be the only black woman in council. Anna Rotherby's motivation is true representation in the Princes Park ward. She will head disparities in the city and support disengaged people. 'The time is right for all to engage with the shaping of politics'. Her main priority is that a high standard of candidates from diverse communities are represented. Simon Wooley, OBV, said we had come together from all walks of life. Together we can make the change. Make Liverpool an example of how we can do this. Changing the city needs belief, hope and hard work. Eventually we'll see a representative chamber. We want to see a higher voter turn out. He said he was moved today with the potential that we have.

The 9 shadows then had a photocall on the town hall stairs with their individual councillors. I personally spoke to Jane Hill, Granby ward and took her photo. The evening ended with drinks and canapes upstairs in the small ballroom.