Illuminating the corridors of power

Walking into the Council House in Birmingham was ever so slightly daunting. As well as being a beautiful structure, atypical of 19th Century grandeur, there is the accompanying feeling of the sense of awe experienced as it registers that decisions of great and historical significance are made in this very building. This is where twenty programme members from OBV’s Birmingham Civic Leadership Programme congregated for their inaugural day of councillor training.

The programme is designed to address the deficit of Black and Minority Ethnic (BME) communities in political and public life and forms part of OBV’s award winning shadowing schemes. The aim is to empower BME communities to be better placed to deal with and challenge the many forms of inequality, above all, leading by example. Training individuals to play full and positive roles in all areas, and at all levels of society enhance their community and beyond for the benefit of everyone.

The day began with a tour of the building, the Mayor’s parlour and included the history of the building dating back to the very first mayor of Birmingham, William Scholefield in 1838, all the way through to the present day. All the participants were very much engaged from the offing as we were led from rooms which had been graced by numerous dignitaries, including US President Clinton and even the Queen.

Francine Fernandes, OBV Deputy Director, kept reminding the Programme Members of our purpose there and that was no reason why one of them could not occupy those rooms as councillors and Mayor one day, to ensure that the day was not simply viewed in the abstract but as a real possibility.

The day progressed to presentations from two serving members of Birmingham council, Councillor Waseem Zaffar and Councillor John O’Shea. Both Councillors shared their personal journey into public life. They highlighted that though it may not be the most glamourous position, or contrary to popular belief well paid, it was something they thoroughly enjoyed. They spoke passionately about the opportunity being a Councillor gave them to give back to their communities, to have a voice, which is exactly the standpoint the Programme Members have demonstrated by putting themselves forward for the leadership programme. Members found the day “fascinating”, “informative” and “completely enjoyable”, all eagerly anticipating subsequent training days and an opportunity to shadow existing Councillors.

Civic Leadership Programme Member, Andrina Davis said,

"I believe that we do not have enough BME role models within politics. We need more people who will speak out about the needs of under-represented groups. I hope to be that person, but if I cannot be that person, I certainly want to help put that person in place."

The dedication and commitment of the participants is clear – so we wish them luck as they begin their journey into political society and we watch this space with increasing anticipation.

Ashlea Williams