Bristol MPs speaking at the launch of the Somali cultural exhibition

Charlotte Leslie, MP for Bristol North West, and Thangam Debbonaire, MP for Bristol West, speaking at the launch of the … More

BME: EU – In or Out Debate

Bristol European Referendum Debate on Race Equality- you decide! The EU debate, and race equality will be one of the largest discussions on the subject in Bristol. Three racial equality organisations are teaming up to put on a European Referendum debate in Bristol on the 26th of May. Voice4Change England, Operation Black Vote and the Black South West Network are holding this crucial debate from 6:30-8:30 in the evening at M Shed in Bristol, to encourage and promote voter registration ahead of next month’s referendum.

Manage euphoric mood, help new Bristol mayor Marvin Rees deliver his plan

Marvin Rees has simply challenged the ‘stereotypical Establishment figure’, which Owen Jones described as a ‘white male who followed an effortless path … into a lucrative an influential job’. But dealing with the processes of the local governance which have created exclusive environment and structures for the stereotypical figure will be more problematic.

Bristol mayoral election: Inner-city voter predictions

Most of the inner-city voters agree that the mayoral election is going to be a two-horse race. They believe if Marvin Rees is to be elected, he must win the first round of the counting; but if it goes to a second ballot George Ferguson will get elected.

Third Generation Welsh Somali Plaid Cymru Politician Gearing up for Victory – Election 2016

Voting has already started across Britain this morning – 5th May. And the Somali voters in Cardiff, the local elections will certainly help them influence change. Equally, it will empower them feel belonging, included mainstream society as one of their beloved sons is standing for a party that they have never been associated with or voted for.

Unrealized Dream – Poem

You didn’t help us because our once beating hearts are now dead.
The love and hope deep inside us has now died.
This period of melancholy will always be with us.

Mahadi Sharif: Torch-bearer for Manchester youth and British Somalis – local elections 2016

For Mahadi Sharif, the upcoming local elections are not only about improving political participation. It is, and more importantly, about embarking on a political career. But for many Somalis in Manchester it is about electing the first Somali councillor, who would in turn enable them gain access to the local decision making platforms.

Somalis don’t want favour, but demand ‘fair treatment’

The time has come the Somali voters make sure that their votes cannot be taken for granted. They must understand who is best to serve their interests before they decide. At the same time, they should challenge the status quo by not being silent about issues that affect their daily lives because, as Martin Luther King Jr. once said, “Our lives begin to end the day we become silent about things that matter.”

Codkaagu yaanu ku ciilin; dooro qofka dantaada ka shaqeynaya – Doorashooyinka Bristol May 2016

Maayarkii 2012kii Bristol loo doortay wuxuu hoos u dhigay awoodii xildhibaanada golaha deegaanka. Xildhibaanadu “si taban ayay u arkayeen, halka hoggaamiyeyaasha bulshada, ganacsatada, iyo ururada bulshadu ay isku raaceen in hab-maamuleedka maayarnimadu uu dantii Bristol si fiican uga shaqeeyay.” Si kastaba ha ahaatee, habka maayarnimadu danta bulshooyinka magaalada degan si siman oo isku mid ah ugumuu shaqayn.

The only time I feel included is during the election campaign, says Somali voter – Bristol mayoral election 2016

The only time I feel included is during the election campaign, when politicians knock my door and convince me they will solve all our problems if we elect them,” … “As a Somali woman, the local elections don’t mean much to me because politicians become invisible after they get elected. And although I don’t believe they will keep their promises, I vote for them – same as many other Somali friends.