OBV

Operation Black Vote is the first and only initiative to focus exclusively on the Black democratic deficit in the UK.

At our core Operation Black Vote exists to ensure we have greater racial justice and equality throughout the UK. We work specifically, but not exclusively within the democratic and civic framework to deliver our objectives. We seek to inspire BME communities to engage with our public institutions in order to address the persistent race inequalities we face in areas such as: education, health and e

mployment. Our work spans a number of areas including voter registration, lobbying politicians, mentoring schemes and political leadership programmes. Our work began in July 1996 (16th) at the House of Commons, as a collaboration between two organisations: Charter88 which campaigns for democratic reform; and the 1990 Trust a national generic policy research and networking organisation. After 15 years of campaigning our voice is now heard at the highest level of Government both nationally and locally, but perhaps of greater importance is the fact that we are often viewed as a beacon of hope and support for our own communities.

11/05/2026

Democracy is sending a message...

Are we listening?

Last week’s local elections sent a clear message: communities are losing faith in the people who govern them.

For Black and minority communities, that feeling is nothing new.

Despite decades of progress, the inequalities that OBV was founded to challenge — in housing, health, education, policing — have not disappeared.

They have simply found new expressions.

As we mark 30 years of civic engagement work, these results remind us why that work matters more than ever.

We cannot be idle passengers in our democracy.

The work continues — and so must we.

Our Chair, David Weaver’s, full statement is linked in bio 🔗

30/04/2026

Today’s the day!

Over 100,000 Black, Asian, and ethnic minority residents call Sheffield home. Enough to decide who controls this council.

Tonight, party representatives are in the room and so are you — if you show up.

Sheffield’s Local Election Hustings

Tonight • 6–8pm • St James Church, Scott Road S4 7BG

🔗 Link in bio

27/04/2026

Majority. Not minority.

In City ward, half of all residents are Black, Asian, or from an ethnic minority community.

Your vote is the most valuable thing they want right now.

Use that.

Sheffield’s Local Election Hustings

30 April • 6–8pm • St James Church, Scott Road S4 7BG

🔗 Link in bio

26/04/2026

Darnell didn’t wait to be represented…

In 2024, this ward changed its representation entirely.

61% of residents here are BAME.

That’s not a footnote — that’s the reason it happened.

Communities move results when they show up.

Thursday is your opportunity to ask the questions that matter.

Sheffield’s Local Election Hustings
30 April • 6–8pm • St James Church, Scott Road S4 7BG

🔗 Link in bio

24/04/2026

Your ward. Your vote. Your moment.

2 in 3 Burngreave residents are BAME — the highest of any ward in Sheffield.

That’s political power. Use it.

Sheffield’s Local Election Hustings — 30 April, 6–8pm, St James Church, Scott Road S4 7BG.

Come, question the candidates, and vote with your community behind you.

🔗 Link in bio

Join Operation Black Vote (OBV) and Sheffield community partners for a public hustings on Race and Equality

22/04/2026

“The candidates must come to us. This is our city. These are our streets.”

Sheffield has over 100,000 Black and Asian residents.

Last election, one ward was decided by just 113 votes.

No party controls Sheffield Council right now. That means your vote has real power.

On Thursday 30 April, OBV is bringing the candidates to you - to answer for housing, jobs, schools, safety, and whether this city is actually working for everyone in it.

Thursday 30 April | 6-8pm
St James United Reformed Church, Scott Road, S4 7BG

Open to all. Link in bio to register.

20/04/2026

Your vote is your right ✊

On 7 May, people across the UK will head to the polls in elections that will shape everyday life.

You need to be registered by 11:59pm on 20 April 2026 to be eligible.

From local services to public transport and community priorities, these decisions matter.

If you are voting in person in local or mayoral elections in England, make sure you have the right photo ID too.

Register now > https://www.gov.uk/register-to-vote

Leave the excuses to people who enjoy being ignored by politics.

05/04/2026

Happy Easter from us all at OBV

The Christian story at the heart of Easter - sacrifice, resurrection, redemption - reminds us that even in the face of suffering, hope can rise and new life can emerge.

At Operation Black Vote, we honour the richness of faith and belief across our communities, holding this as a moment for reflection, unity and shared humanity.

May this Easter bring peace, renewal and a deepened sense of hope and ultimately, freedom, justice and equality on this earth ✊

26/03/2026

On Saturday, something happened in Sheffield.

OBV, alongside .uk and , hosted the city’s first People’s Assembly.

At a time when distrust is high, tensions are real, and a race equality report still hangs unresolved, this was needed.

Local people came together to speak openly about the issues shaping their lives and turn that dialogue into practical ideas, solutions and clear asks for local leaders.

People left feeling heard, empowered and hopeful.

We’ll be sharing the full report, key findings and next steps soon. More to come!

20/03/2026

Race equality has to show up at the ballot box too.

This Assembly is about bringing communities together, making your voice heard, and helping shape the demands put to local candidates.

Be part of the conversation

Register via 🔗 in bio

Address

London

Telephone

+442089835430

Website

http://www.obv.org.uk/

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