We at the Black Parent Network would like to congratulate Barak Obama on his historic second term as president of the United States.  The tone of his inspirational victory speech promises that the “Best Is Yet To Come!” 

Awe

This slogan echoes the tide of hope that marked the start of his first term 4 years ago when he also inspired us with his “Yes We Can Slogan”.  I printed off pictures of him and wrote this slogan on it and gave them  to my daughter, niece,  nephews and friend’s children.  The significance of the message in  that slogan,  to  myself and to  generations of black people, was not lost.  It was simply  astounding to be able to truly mean the message in those words for our children. 

Imagine the back drop as we watched in awe, as a black man took…

Mayor Boris Johnson published the findings of his yearlong Education Inquiry on 22 October 2012.  

In his response to the Inquiry Report he tells us that he will be setting up a unit called New Schools for London, to identify new sites for free school groups.  In addition he publishes plans to establish a London Schools Excellence Fund; offering a ‘London Curriculum’ for schoolchildren; and creating the ‘Gold Club’, an annual scheme to identify schools that are achieving success, particularly for the most disadvantaged pupils.

Black Parent Network Submission

The Black Parent Network was amongst those that submitted answers to the Inquiry to give the perspective of ordinary black parents about the educational experiences and outcomes for their children going to school…

When Michelle Obama granted an interview with CBS TV to defend herself against rumours that she is regarded as “an angry black woman” I must admit, as a black woman myself, to being disappointed on several levels.

Firstly, because, as the most powerful black woman on the planet, I am astonished that she felt the need to dignify this type of racial stereotyping with any type of response whatsoever. After all - who she is speaks for itself. She is indeed one of the most powerful and influential women, black or white, in the western world.  Furthermore from what I have seen of her she deserves to be in that position.

She is educated, articulate, radiates warmth and humanity, is the mother of two beautiful children and manages her role as first lady impressively with grace and skill.…

The conviction of Stephen Lawrence’s killers Dobson and Norris was bitter sweet for me, as it probably was for an entire generation of black parents across Britain and beyond.  I know I was not alone in weeping uncontrollably with relief at the verdict.

The obvious pent-up anguish and disappointment with the fact that it has taken almost two decades to achieve these convictions was evident in the voice and words of his mother, Doreen Lawrence after the verdict was announced. She bravely, yet again, faced the cameras on the courthouse steps to share her dismay that justice had taken so long to come and of course that this would not bring back her beloved Stephen. The phenomenal courage of the Lawrences,  both Doreen and Neville, who unflinchingly fought for justice…