Operation Black Vote
Operation Black Vote (OBV) is a key leadership organisation within the UK dedicated to tackling racial inequalities in democracy, civic engagement, and political participation. For almost three decades, OBV has played a pivotal role in empowering Black, Asian, and Global Majority communities to challenge systemic racism, increase representation, and influence policy.
OBV has a longstanding commitment to racial justice through its work in civic engagement, voter registration, and leadership training. Its leadership development programmes have helped over 200 Black and Asian leaders enter politics, public service, and community activism. Many of the MPs, councillors, magistrates, and community leaders in the UK today began their journey through OBV programmes.
One OBV alumnus, a female member of the Pathway programme and now a Labour MP as of July 2024, credits OBV’s early leadership training for giving her the confidence to enter politics and challenge structural inequalities.
OBV continues to build on its core mission through projects that ensure Black, Asian, and Global Majority youth are empowered to engage with democracy, leadership, and advocacy from an early age. This includes providing young people aged 11-18 with a clear pathway into civic engagement, leadership training, governance, and exposure to the race equality and anti-racism landscape.
Operation Black Vote remains focused on developing the next generation of leaders by embedding opportunities for learning and action early in life.
“I have worked with Operation Black Vote for decades. We share a burning commitment to justice and equality. OBV is yet another example of servant leadership and is a modern-day embodiment of the principles and legacy Dr Martin Luther King.”
