A time for leaders to lead

Britain's race relations are at a crossroads, or perhaps at a tee-junction: one road leads to oblivion; with Black communities feeling, alienated, and helpless to deal with disproportionately high levels of unemployment and poverty. Frustrated at having gangsters poisoning communities with drugs and guns, angry as the wider society continues to vilify and demonise anyone who is not white, except that is unless they are playing their favourite sport or singing popular tunes.

Going back down the road from whence we came is not an option. Too many people have fought long and hard just to be at this juncture. Think of Bernie Grant, the recent honoured Doreen and Neville Lawrence, and countless hardworking families who over many years laboured to make ends meet whilst suffering astonishing levels of racism. No, we cannot go back. The last and only road is one of leadership and collective responsibility.

First and foremost, Britain's African, Asian and Caribbean communities must once again play the leading role as agents for change. We know racism still exists, we also know that there are many who will happily deny it. After all, it's only three years ago that society recognised that institutional racism is a fact, something Black people have been acutely aware of for a very long time. But if we are to save our children from total alienation or from the tragic fate that befell Charlene Ellis or her cousin Letisha Shakespeare, both gunned down by gangland crossfire, we must not allow ourselves to beaten by our position of disadvantage.

The Black Civil Rights campaigner Rev Al Sharpton came over here last October to collaborate with Black British activist on a programme of political empowerment. He told the young men at the 'From boyhood to manhood' Foundation - a rehabilitation centre for socially excluded Black youths - 'You're not responsible for where you began.

You are for where you end up'. To hammer home the point he added, 'If I knock you down that's on me. If come back a month later and you are still on the ground that's on you'. A simple but powerful message that ultimately unshackles us from victimhood and empowers us to make a difference. It was Lee Jasper, senior advisor to the Mayor for London who said ' we are in danger of being the first generation that has bequeathed less to our children than was bequeathed to us'.

In that context, Black leaders have a crucial role to play. That's why the next head of the CRE, and the CRE itself are critical in this debate. People have been aware for some time that the CRE has not been as effective as it should be. All conclude that reform is long overdue. But since its existence in 1976 we cannot underestimate the groundbreaking changes it has helped the UK achieve in improving Race relations.

Black community struggle backed by race law with the CRE as an enforcer has ensured we in Britain - despite our many problems - have the best race relations and the toughest legislation in Europe. In sharp contrast racism in many European countries are at levels we faced here in the UK in the 1960s. Just ask our international footballers Emile Heskey or Ashely Cole what type of racial abuse they receive when they ply their trade on the European main land.

The CRE must adapt for a modern climate, but the Government's proposal for a business style merger with the other equality commissions into a single equalities body is a recipe for disaster that should be avoided at all cost. Actually, it is cost that governs the present proposals. Men in suits (probably all white) have calculated that they could save the Government vast amounts money if they merged the several commissions into one body. Whilst savings may or may not be made the idea that you can have a one size fits all equalities body does not recognise the deep complexities of discrimination.

It will also ultimately undermine the Government's own laudable programme for social cohesion. Yes, let's have a discussion about the harmonisation of equalities status. At the moment legislation is stronger in areas of race and gender than it is for disabilities and sexual orientation. But we must be resolute that these distinct groups and others need a legitimate space, with a powerful legitimate body to call their own, together with their own champion to fight their cause.

Black and Asian Britons will demand that the next head of the CRE fight this battle. They know that he or she must collaborate with the other commissions and work with the Government on their shared goals. After all, it was Tony Blair, back in 1997 when talking about race and an inclusive society who proclaimed that he would lead our nation to become a beacon to the rest of world. But the CRE must also be prepared to face down any Home Secretary that demonstrates lack of understanding or sensitivity over certain issues.

The outgoing Chair failed Asians in Bradford and Oldham when, after they had been taunted and attacked by Far Right groups he reiterated David Blunkett's message and told them to integrate more. Few Asians in those and other areas lamented Singh's later demise.

Now is the time for strong Black leadership. The almost imminent prosecution of war against Iraq has left many Asians particularly Muslims feeling that they are seen as potential enemies of the state. The deluge of gang related crime reported by parts of the British media, not as a crime problem but as a Black community problem leaves many feeling beleagued.

The next head of the CRE must boldly and positively go on the offensive. He or she must work with clear assurance that whilst our young remain on the margins, bereft of any real hope, they remain easy prey to either the 'bling bling' glitter of gangster culture or to elements of extreme religious politics that, at the very least afford them a place to belong.