We need a British Jesse Jackson

Presently ensconced in New York, TMP’s new columnist, Lola Adesioye, argues that we need Black British leaders in the Jesse Jackson mould.

Jesse Jackson has recently been in the UK talking to African-Caribbeans across the country… Hundreds, if not thousands, of people of colour have come out to listen to Mr Jackson’s encouraging and empowering words. He has energetically and enthusiastically urged black Britons to raise self-esteem and self-knowledge, to focus on achieving equality within British society and to overcome problems such as educational failure and low expectations. Words, which according to the government’s recent REACH report and the intense media spotlight on so-called ‘black on black’ crime, are currently vital and long overdue.

The US is well known for powerful African-American social and political figures such as Reverend Al Sharpton and Jesse Jackson. Media moguls such as Russell Simmons and Oprah Winfrey can also be added to the list. Not only are these people respected within the upper echelons of society but they are listened to by the masses. Therein lies their power. That potent combination has enabled them to galvanize black people when necessary, as well as represent black interests to the outside world by providing coherent, intelligent and unified voices.

I sincerely believe that black Britons would benefit from British versions of such figureheads. Black Britons need people who are inspirational not only as a result of their wealth or celebrity status (e.g. athletes and entertainers), but because they are able to provide positive, uplifting messages, as well as put across credible arguments and discussions in areas in which black voices may not otherwise be heard. These people become both role models and representatives.

It is not enough to sit on committees and speak to government ministers, as important as that is. In order to be truly effective, any such leader must also be in close contact with the community, have its respect and be able to stimulate the people. In the UK, there is nobody I can think of whose influence cuts across society, from top to bottom, in that way.

Why is that the case? I would argue that in the UK, once people of colour reach a certain level of success – especially in traditional fields such as finance, law or politics – they move in circles in which they may be one of a handful of black people, all of whom will be educated, and well-to-do. It is easy to become separate or distanced from the needs or interests of regular, working-class black people – particularly those who face the most serious problems – when you do not have to deal with them in your every day life. Even Nelson Mandela, in a recent plea to black leaders, has urged successful black people to be aware of becoming cut off from those less fortunate.

The Jesse Jackson’s of the world are regularly in touch with the community, interacting and moving within it in order to understand the issues and concerns. Successful black Britons must endeavour to engage with those who are still on their way up, or struggling to get a foot on the ladder at all. They must be proud of being positive role models and encourage others to learn from their examples.

Those who already have influence at senior levels must also make an effort to interact and be accessible at a grassroots level; to talk, listen to and understand what people are saying. As Chuka Umunna pointed out yesterday, it’s not that the UK has no black role models, just that many of them are either unknown, or not seen as relevant or available to those who need them.

There are, of course, successful black people who do not want to be leaders. In my undergrad days at Cambridge, as a member of the African-Caribbean society, I often found myself in discussions about whether or not privileged black people had an obligation to reach out to those who were less fortunate. There were some who felt that they simply wanted to live their lives and enjoy their success quietly, rather than be held up as a paragon of success for other black people.

I understand that viewpoint, but would argue that in the current climate – and until there is an abundance of successful black people in the public sphere – there is an obligation for successful black people to reach out and provide a positive example to others. We cannot expect the media to do this for us, we must do it for ourselves. I think African-American leaders understand that, and feel proud to be able to use their personal success in order to be of service to black people.

Problems for one are a problem for all, so successful black people must stand tall and play their part, at a fundamental level, in helping others. Once this happens, we will start to see the emergence of black British leaders whose influence stretches across every part of society. And we’ll be much better off for it.

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