Race Card: The power of social media

There's lot of African and Caribbean history around the UK, much of it untold. For example in Chapletown, Leeds the West Indian Centre has for more than 40 years catered for and fought on behalf of the Black community there. 40 years on and they are still supporting and empowering their community. Last month, during Black history month the centre show cased their latest project. ' Race Card: The power of social media.

Brain child behind the scheme Claude Hendrickson told the audience:

When we raise issues of racial discrimination they always say, " Stop using the race card", in a bid to silence us. Well we are going to turn that on its head tell them we are identifying racial discrimination that we have a 'race card' that calls their actions. And we'll use social media to communicate what we've found.'

Under the direction of Hendrickson he is working tirelessly to engage through multiple forms of media the BME community and push forward the need for equality in health care, police treatment and representation in politics.

He has been active in Chapeltown community for over 30 years working with unwavering dedication to the building of community and support for BME. Recently He has taken his multiple decades' worth of experience to Leeds City Region to try and build a stronger community as well as open a cross regional support network.

When asked about the necessity of social media Hendrickson said:

Social Media is a new tool that we must engage with it to make it work for our cause."

Conventional medias such as television, newspapers and radio have a tendency to only show the negative because of the need to profit. Claude responds to this challenge by proposing:

BME communities have a responsibility to create and present positive stories, conventional media should give an allotted section of space toward showing the diversity and positive aspects of the BME."

Echoing Claude's passion the key speakers at the forum reinforced through their long cultivated knowledge and hands on experience the need for reform.

Simon Woolley co-founder of Operation Black vote spoke on the need for greater political engagement and enfranchisement of BME communities in the UK.

Cindy Butts an Independent Police Complaints Commissioner has more than a decade of experience working for equality in policing practise. She was asked to speak on the integration of social media into police accountability and how social media can evolve in conjunction with police procedures.

Heather Nelson, JP, is the Chief Executive of Black Health Initiative; Heather is also the National director of BME Cancer Voice. Heather is a master of community engagement, her ability to recognize and understand cultural differences make her a key authority to speak on the necessity of reaching out through social media.

Milton Brown, MA, Dip, ACIPD, Alfl, has over 25 years of experience working as a Organizational Development Consultant. He has received many accolades for his abilities and knowledge in the fields of organization, innovation and development. He is an indispensible member of a growing group of activist that seek to promote greater participation for BME communities in all areas of life.

Jeremy Crook OBE is the leader of Black Training Enterprise Group since 1992. He has spent over 30 years promoting equality and inclusion of BME communities in the highest areas of public policy making. The amount of passion and creativity at the conference was vast. Being the first of two reports on social media much is expected from the next and final instalment.

Race Card is always looking toward the future; Claude is planning and balancing future endeavours even now. He says

We need champions in each region to bring awareness to new complex issues, the regions will work as one to secure funding and encourage the next wave of activists. "

Well done Claude and the team. It was a great event which empowered all those who attended.

Grant Thorn