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Resident columnist Lola Adesioye reflects on Barack Obama’s speech on race this week.

Regardless of whether or not people think Barack Obama is capable of being the next president of America, he has shown himself this week to be one of the greatest post-civil rights thinkers of this generation. Many people – both black and white - now feel that the polarized, divided, white-versus-black rhetoric of leaders from the civil rights era is outdated, yet no senior politician or public figure has been able to offer a new cohesive vision or understanding of modern day American race relations.

The Civil Rights movement was an extremely important part of American history. The vocal, often angry, finger-pointing, in-your-face nature of civil rights leaders was necessary and appropriate for the time. That energy was needed in order for crucial changes to take place. Today though, as the media storm about Reverend Jeremiah Wright’s comments have shown, that kind of presentation of America’s racial problems is seen as divisive and turns people off. Those who have not been brought up watching a fight for basic rights simply do not understand black people who talk about race in that way.

Post Civil Rights, America appears to have struggled somewhat in an effort to find a newer political and social vision that incorporates the racial challenges of today, resulting in less than honest or open discussions about the topic. For example, it’s only recently that people believe that the issue of race has become a core issue in the American electoral campaign yet it has been discussed, albeit indirectly, almost daily. Barack Obama went a long way towards directly addressing the issue that this week with his brilliant “Perfect Union” speech.

Few find it easy to discuss race in a way which is not divisive or inflammatory. Obama’s speech showed that race can be discussed and presented in a way that takes in the concerns of all people of all colours and addresses them in a progressive manner, whilst also taking history and its present-day ramifications into account. He does not discount the anger felt by some sections of the black community, nor the anger felt by some white people. He recognizes that all viewpoints are legitimate. The question that he addresses – the most fundamental question – is how to move forward from that.

Moving forward requires looking at the real issues, rather than simply putting problems down to racism or racial differences. The young men standing on the corner selling drugs are not there because they are black. They are there because, as Obama says, many of “…the disparities that exist in the African-American community today can be directly traced to inequalities passed on from an earlier generation that suffered under the brutal legacy of slavery and Jim Crow.” Despite that recognition, however, Obama still calls on the black community to be responsible and take positive action in spite of difficulties.

Obama was right to say that the comments made by both Geraldine Farraro and his own pastor, Reverend Jeremiah Wright are expressions of the complexities surrounding race. Indeed race is a complex issue, which until now seemingly had no unifying path. Blacks and whites in America have come closer together, but in many ways still remain so distant and still view each other with some suspicion. Obama, however, points out that the unifying factor is that ultimately all Americans want the same thing: a better future. As he says: “…we may have different stories, but we hold common hopes;…we may not look the same and we may not have come from the same place, but we all want to move in the same direction - towards a better future for our children and our grandchildren.” It’s so simple but yet has been so hard to reach and so hard to articulate.

I was thoroughly impressed by Obama’s speech. Anyone who has questioned Obama’s ability to understand the challenges facing African Americans should no longer be in doubt that this is a man with a very deep and thorough understanding – and forward thinking vision – of race in America today. He clearly also understands how race affects and impacts on white people which is vital because difficult race relations is a problem for all of America, not just some sections of it.

Obama’s speech is not only relevant to America. All western countries can benefit from Obama’s vision and I hope our own UK government will read his words and reflect.

Resident columnist Lola Adesioye reflects on this week’s comments on the Proms by Culture Minister, Margaret Hodge MP. 

Culture Minister Margaret Hodge’s criticism of the Proms this week shows just how out of touch and over zealous the PC brigade has become when it comes to issues of diversity and minority inclusion. Don’t get me wrong, diversity and inclusion are important – when it comes to things that actually matter such as inequality in the workplace, the legal system, socio-economics and education. Of all the issues facing minorities, ethnic representation at the Proms comes very low on the list – if anyone really cares about it at all.

Hodge’s criticisms about the lack of diversity at the BBC Proms are misplaced. It is a wasted effort for her to criticize harmless aspects of British culture, such as the Proms, when there are other elements of the culture - representation of minorities in the media for example - which have been, and still are, in need of fixing and are of much more relevance.

I have yet to go to the Proms but I make an effort to watch it on television every year. I’ve always wanted to attend for the very reasons that Margaret Hodges offers criticism – partly because it is a particularly British phenomenon. Not only is there a fantastic selection of classical music, but it is also interesting to experience something different.

It is important that people of all backgrounds are able to participate in the arts in general. That issue has been and is being addressed by initiatives such as free entrance to museums and the £10 Travelex season at the National Theatre. The arts fall under a broad umbrella and not everything will appeal to all people. Nor should they. The arts should be diverse – not only in terms of participants, but in the types of creative expression that are encompassed. This politically correct insistence on homogeneity in all aspects of modern life is troubling.

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I’m fortunate to have had the opportunity to travel to many places around the world in my 27 years. One country I’ve never had much desire to visit, however, is Australia. I’ve been told of its beautiful white beaches and wonderful scenery by friends who have visited and lived there, yet I’ve also heard a great deal about a darker side to the country, an ugly racist side, that has – until this week when Prime Minister Kevin Rudd issued an apology for the racist mistreatment of Aborigines - appeared to be very much a part of Australian culture.

It is a very sad fact of life that people of colour – native Americans, African Americans, Africans, Aborigines – have suffered appallingly at the hands of those who have believed them to be inferior because of their colour. Around the world, black people have been subjected to slavery, colonialism, apartheid, the denial of basic human and civil rights and, in the case of Australia, the legally enforced removal of an estimated 100,000 Aboriginal children from their parents over a 60 to 70 year period. Like other government-led forms of oppression, this policy – which led to many children being placed in homes in which they were abused or brought up as servants - was thought to be for the good of the Aboriginal people.

Finally, Kevin Rudd has done what his predecessors were too weak to do and publicly repented for the sins of his forefathers by acknowledging the significant hurt and damage caused by such misguided and racist policies.

For governments, “sorry” has always seemed to be the hardest word. Both British and America governments are yet to issue full apologies for slavery. It may be too little too late but saying “sorry” is definitely a step in the right direction. Prime Minister Rudd should hope to follow the example of South Africa, where apologizing for apartheid led to the Truth & Reconciliation Commission, which went some way towards healing that racially divided nation.

The importance of a government-issued apology is in its symbolism. Who, when wronged, does not want the perpetrator to recognize, and acknowledge, the hurt that has been inflicted? Most importantly for me, Australia’s apology sends a strong message to white Australians that racism is no longer acceptable. Previous governments which have refused to apologize have essentially told their country that such attitudes and treatment are ok, thus providing silent support for their continuation.

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TMP columnist, Lola Adesioye, reflects on the performance of Nigeria’s new president and what the future holds for Africa’s most populous nation.

In 2007 the world began to see Africa through different eyes. The renowned Technology Entertainment Design (TED) conference held its TED Global event in Africa for the first time; the global business community woke up to the fact that China has steadily been increasing its investment in Africa over the past few years because it views Africa as a worthwhile opportunity, and glossy magazine Vanity Fair even ran an edition devoted entirely to the continent. No longer was the world being fed African sob stories: there was finally some acknowledgement that there is more to Africa than just HIV/Aids and starvation.

The positive stories emerging from Africa have continued this week at the annual World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland. African delegates such as Nigerian president Umaru Yar’Adua have reported that African leaders are “getting it right” and “people have learned what not to do”.

Whilst it is extremely important that another, more positive, side of Africa is being depicted, my recent trip to Nigeria has shown me that it is also important not to over-blow what is happening on the continent. I would disagree with Yar’Adua that African leaders are ‘getting it right’ – many are not. In fact, Yar’Adua (below) is yet to prove – through actions – that he himself is getting it right! The current state of affairs in Kenya is yet another example that all is not ok. The recent violence and civil unrest seen in Kenya is unsettling because of the ease with which the situation was ignited and has since escalated. It is a reminder that things in Africa, despite improvements, are still not on firm ground.

Yar’Adua’s words at the WEF are particularly interesting because Nigeria - his country - is one that still suffers from a multitude of dire problems. Basic provisions and amenities in Nigeria fail everyday. The power sector is overloaded: the provision of electricity is extremely unstable; electricity can go off several times a day and in some cities, like Ibadan, people can go months without it. In Lagos, road travel is dangerous; cars travel in every which direction with few traffic controls in place. Travel is also made extremely stressful by tyre-destroying potholes, and short distances can take hours to cover due to the sheer scale of traffic. The list goes on…

Nigeria is not short of money – it is the richest country in Western Africa – and many of its shortcomings quite simply have no other cause besides sheer greed and inept leadership. Nevertheless, despite controversy surrounding President Yar’Adua’s election – it is alleged that he was put into power by former president Obasanjo and that the election itself was rigged - he appears, publicly at least, to be making the right noises.

This week Yar’Adua openly criticized the Obasanjo administration, stating that “the $10billion invested in the energy sector between 2000 and 2007 has not translated into power generation, transmission and distribution”. He has also confirmed his support for the removal of the immunity clause for public officials and talked about pressing forward with anti-corruption measures, acknowledging that “…some companies have benefited materially from corruption, while we, the governments and the nations, are usually at the receiving end, because very few people benefit from corrupt actions. In nations where corruption thrives, the vast majority are shortchanged, so the measures and the steps you are taking really require courage.”

Yar’Adua has a mammoth task on his hands if he is to undo the many years of degradation and disrespect that Nigeria has suffered at the hands of previous administrations. Nigerians can only hope and pray that he is more than just talk and he will, unlike his predecessors, benefit rather than impoverish the country. Reactions to him are mixed. Nigerians hope he will make a change, whilst fearing at the same time that he is just like those who have come before.

I would like to see Yar’Adua encourage Nigeria’s extremely wealthy and well-connected elite to engage in philanthropy (of which there is little) and use their own money to also benefit the country and the majority of its poor inhabitants. The notion of taking care of one’s own individual interests at the expense, or in spite, of others has affected Nigeria from the highest level down, and must be challenged if change is to be made for the good of Nigeria as a whole.

I am cautiously optimistic about Nigeria - and Africa’s - future. The change that is most needed will take decades, if not centuries, to achieve but must be actioned on a day to day level, starting yesterday. If, as Yar’Adua says, leaders now know ‘what not to do’, let’s see them turn words into actions and do what’s best for their countries and the continent.

Lola Adesioye is a freelance writer who specializes in commenting on socio-political and cultural issues affecting the black community.

In the wake of the sentencing of Samina Malik last week, TMP columnist, Lola Adesioye, argues that the sooner we come to terms with the idea that freedom of speech and expression do, in fact, come with limits and consequences, the better.

There is something fundamentally wrong with the individualistic society in which we live today. Obsessed with individual freedoms and liberties, we appear to have lost the ability to see the causal link between our actions and their consequences. Young boys who carry guns fail to see it – they are just protecting themselves after all. The actor Chris Langham, jailed for downloading child pornography, was unable to see it – according to him he was simply perusing sexual images of children for his own research. And now it’s the turn of self-named ‘lyrical terrorist’ Samina Malik to have missed this vital action/reaction link.

Apparently Ms Malik is just a naive young woman, who thinks that watching beheadings of Westerners and supporting jihad is “cool”. She is, of course, entitled to her views. After all, she’s an individual. Shouldn’t we all be able to think, say and do what we want?! Aren’t we all entitled to our freedom of expression, our freedom of speech, without repercussion?

Well, no actually, we’re not. The sooner we come to terms with the idea that freedom of speech and expression do, in fact, come with limits and consequences, the better. After receiving a 9 month suspended prison sentence for possessing documents likely to be of use for a terrorist, I’m sure that Malik has been reminded of that today.

Personally I have no sympathy for the girl. Her argument that she was just seeking “fame” carries no weight with me. What does supporting the execution of westerners and downloading terrorist material have to do with finding your fame and fortune? Most people I know who are looking for fame are auditioning for Pop Idol.

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Lola Adesioye, one of our regular columnists, argues against increasing the current detention without charge of suspected terrorists to 56 days in the absence of concrete evidence justifying the move.

Anyone who has travelled through a British airport recently will tell you what a hassle it has become. Having to remove shoes, undo belts, take off jackets, take out (and often discard) liquids, creams and perfumes from hand luggage are just some of the irritations that we now have to endure… I often think to myself that the next counter-terrorism measure will be for all passengers to walk naked through security.

OK, I’m being somewhat flippant here. The point is, however, that we all put up with these nuisances because there is no doubt that terrorism is a serious threat and tough times call for tough measures. With the London bombings of 2005 still fresh in our memories, and in light of recent failed attacks this year in both London and Glasgow, it is essential for the public’s peace of mind as well as the country’s security that the government takes a strong stance on protecting the UK against what is, according to M15, a growing threat “which has yet to reach its peak”.

Gordon Brown is, of course, keen to show that he takes terrorism seriously. The government’s new security plans, unveiled this week, show that he is unwilling to be seen as being soft on the matter. Many of his proposals are sensible: better awareness training for staff who work in public places, increasing the size of the security service and clamping down on those who finance terrorism. These are important measures.

I am not particularly thrilled by the idea of having bags screened and being searched at major railway stations – after all, we are talking about a public transport system that is under enough pressure as it is. But I’m sure the public are willing to put up with some annoyances if it keeps us all safe.

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Resident TMP columnist, Lola Adesioye, argues that we must move away from lumping all migrants into one big immigration pile - doing so is what makes it easier for politicians to manipulate the public for political point scoring. 

Once again immigration is back on the political menu. Unfortunately, the government shot itself in the foot this week. It is deeply embarrassing that senior government officials should publicly release incorrect information on any topic, but even more so on anything related to immigration which is currently such hot political property in the UK. No party – especially not the one in power – can afford to lose credibility, or show that it does not know what it is talking about when it comes to that issue.

Underestimating the number of foreign nationals working in the UK by 300,000 was an amateur move, particularly in a climate in which there are growing public concerns over immigration. However, let’s face it: the numbers themselves mean very little. 300,000 is a tiny proportion (approximately 1%) of the UK’s workforce. Plus all of these people have been working, and thus contributing, to the UK’s economy. Unfortunately, by undermining itself on a key issue the government fed right into the hands of newspapers such as the Daily Mail and the Sun who were keen to sensationalize the matter, and handed the Conservatives a fantastic opportunity to score political points.

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TMP columnist, Lola Adesioye, this week reflects on Labour’s relationship with ethnic minority voters.

Ethnic minorities have always consistently and overwhelmingly voted for the Labour party. In the past, Labour’s commitment to equal opportunities, race relations and social justice have been key factors which have influenced minority voting decisions. But Labour, under Gordon Brown, must make some changes if it is to continue to depend on the ethnic minority vote.

The Labour party of today is undisputedly and significantly different from that of yesteryear. Now occupying more of a centre-left political space, the current Labour party has more in common with the Conservatives than ever before. Issues that arose while Blair was in power - such as the decision to invade Iraq, anti-terror legislation and the introduction of university tuition fees - have had a direct negative impact upon ethnic minorities in Britain, leading to discontent and disillusionment. Gordon Brown must ensure that, going forward, Labour policies are relevant and beneficial to ethnic minority voters. He must not take the ethnic minority vote for granted.

It is well documented that minorities, particularly in urban areas in which such groups tend to be highly concentrated, suffer most when it comes to housing, education, and other socio-economic matters. If government policies under Brown continue to oppress those who are already oppressed, voters will turn away from the Labour party. In urban areas the ‘minority’ vote (which can be the majority in some inner cities) is often crucial to the winning of Labour seats and therefore must be looked after.

Gordon Brown’s work lies in serving both minority and national interests. There need not be a dichotomy between the two: traditionally, Labour’s focus has been on policies which benefit all members of British society.

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TMP columnist, Lola Adesioye, presently stationed in New York, reports on the race to win the Democratic Presidential nomination. 

Last week I went to see Barack Obama in action at a rally in Washington Square Park in New York City. I was impressed at the diversity of the crowd: 25,000 students, professionals, young, old, white and black came out to see him. Although part of me had expected to see an overwhelmingly black crowd, the racial diversity of his supporters showed that he is being judged on the strength of his policies as opposed to just the colour of his skin.

Although Obama was good I have to admit I wasn’t entirely convinced. He was affable, friendly, down-to-earth. Most importantly, he made some excellent points and some important pledges, but I just wasn’t roused. On an emotional level, I would love for America to have a black president. However, on a rational level, I am not sure if I could see Obama as leader of the US at this point in time.

Whilst I agreed with his opinions on the war in Iraq and his pledge to introduce a long-overdue nationalized healthcare system, I felt that he was somewhat over-optimistic in promising to bring in the new healthcare system within his first term and pulling American troops out of Iraq as soon as he got into office. These are all things that appeal to voters’ emotions, but their realization in practical terms is a different matter.

New York is a Hilary Clinton stronghold and by calling a rally there, Obama was making a bold statement by stepping on Clinton territory. Whilst it gained him some good editorial coverage it does not appear, however, to have shaken Hilary’s grip on Democrat votes.

Polls show that Obama is way behind Hilary Clinton. According to a recent Gallup poll, 53% of Americans said they would vote for Clinton whilst only 20% would vote for Obama. It appears that Clinton has a firm hold on the Democratic vote, and each speech and appearance just seems to tighten that grip.

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TMP columnist, Lola Adesioye, previews Black History Month. 

Black History Month is nearly upon us.  October has been celebrated as Black History Month for nearly 30 years now, and it is testament to the importance of black history that there is indeed one month in the English calendar which is dedicated to it.

But isn’t it time for black history in the UK to be recognized for longer than just one month in the year? The truth is that black history is not just for – or about - black people. Black History Month is for everyone because black history is also British history - a fact that often goes unrecognized by non-black people in this country. All citizens of this country can, and should, learn from black history. Not just during October, but always.

Africans, Caribbeans and their descendents have contributed, to an unquantifiable degree, in the building, development and continued wealth of the UK. Their labour, often unaccounted for and unremunerated, is what makes this country – and the western world - what is it today.

It is said that you cannot understand who you are if you do not know where you come from. Many say that young black children today suffer from a lack of understanding of their history, but I would argue that the same is true of any British person who is unaware of the role of Africans and Caribbeans in their country’s history.

For that reason, it’s time to make black history something that is remembered, thought about and celebrated more than once a year. It is time to make black history part of the national curriculum and to teach it in history lessons; time to start regularly acknowledging the significant role that black people have played in the UK’s history to such a degree that it is as well known as England’s kings and queens.

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