Some people have grabbed the wrong end of the stick with my previous blog post reporting on Lee Jasper and George Galloway addressing last Saturday’s Black Men in the Community conference. For the record, no I’m not supporting Jasper or the Respect Party, and yes I’m backing Marisha Ray and the Liberal Democrats in the Croydon North byelection!
Marisha (pictured second left), is a first class candidate and I will be canvassing and delivering for her in the election. I’ve always rated her politics and was one of those supporting her bid to become a London Assembly member earlier this year. On equality I wasn’t aware of anyone more progressive standing in that election.
She has great experience on issues like community safety, policy and transport. And I’m sure she will run a successful campaign in Croydon North.
I’ve attended the past two Black Men in the Community conferences and blogged about it last year. In fact Jasper attended the previous conference, hardly a surprise as he has been a regular fixture at black debates for the past 30 years. What he had to say on Saturday was relevant, important and well worth blogging about!
Black Men in the Community are perfectly entitled to back Jasper if they want, as several other Black and anti-racist groups have done, but everyone recognises there is great diversity in political views and affiliations. Over the years I have often found myself the only Lib Dem in the room but have always felt part of the scene because there is mutual respect over the principles we share in common.
And that’s the way it should be!
