This page gives details of Operation Black Vote (OBV), an organisation funded by the Partnership Grants Scheme.
Operation Black Vote focuses on strengthening the political voice of African, Asian, Caribbean and other ethnic minorities.
- visit OBV's website www.obv.org.uk
Citizenship and Understanding Power
This project worked in the following locations across England, Scotland and Wales: London and the Southeast; Wolverhampton; Reading; Birmingham; Coventry; Leeds; Liverpool; Manchester; Derby; Nottingham; Leicester; Bristol; Cardiff; Swansea; Glasgow; and Edinburgh. Alongside voter registration work, the project distributed motivational leaflets and posters on request to groups on their database, as well as the provision of speakers for a range of events. Road show events held each year targeted 150-200 participants each and involved a panel of political and public figures who encouraged participants to get involved, to register to vote and to challenge apathy. The project also included a flagship event during the week of Dr. Martin Luther King’s birthday.
Project outcomes
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increased awareness of voter registration amongst BME communities and young people
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increased voter registration amongst BME communities and young people at every event
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raised national profile for BME voter registration in the media
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established voter registration week around Martin Luther King Day, promoting registration and civic engagement
Outcomes achieved
The OBV voter registration project exceeded all outcome targets set by the Commission. By delivering six road show events and speaking at more than 50 events, OBV increased democratic awareness of more than 7,000 BME people.
OBV also disseminated over 2,600 voter registration forms through these events, thereby increasing the likelihood that participants would register to vote.
Case study
Adam was born in England and has Sudanese heritage. He attended the OBV project’s Celebrating Black History Month event in October 2009.
Prior to this event, Adam was particularly disengaged with politics and felt the subject was ‘too boring and serious’. However, after listening to speeches made by politicians at the event, he understood the role and responsibilities of politicians and learned that he could contribute to society and the electoral system.
Since the event, Adam has registered to vote and says he will be voting at the next UK general election.
