Happy Birthday OBV!

I nearly forgot again.

17 years ago today, we launched OBV in the Grand Committee room at the House of Parliament. I seem to remember that it wasn’t hot as it is today, but it was a special moment. In 17 years I’ve seen many worthy organisations come and go, often through reasons way beyond the control of those who had great visions.

Luckily, we have managed not just to hold on - although that is a challenge in of itself,- but also to stay at the forefront of what we do: Politically and civically empower BME communities across the UK. Of course, we do much more than that, but that’s our main stay. I’d like to think we’ve helped develop individuals and transform some key institutions, but you’d be the better judge of that.

There is no doubt there are many people I’d like to thank over the years, but I’ll leave that for another occasion. There is one group though who deserve particularl attention; OBV’s volunteers. I guess there have been literally hundreds of men, women, Black and white who have offered their time for our collective cause. I’d like to thank you! You have always been at the very heart of what we do. Without you, we have no OBV.

Lastly, watch this space. We have some very exciting news to report in the days and weeks ahead. I think it could be a political game changer. Ultimately that will depend upon you.

Thank you too for supporting OBV over many years.

Simon Woolley