The US civil rights campaigner and political activist Rev Jesse Jackson this week has visited London to help a campaign to help mobilise ethnic minorities to vote. The campaign was titled ‘Operation Black Vote’ (OBV) and had the purpose to increase ethnic minority voting representation in the upcoming elections.
Rev Jackson received huge applause as he was welcomed to the event, where he delivered what he stated was his "Hands Across the Ocean" address.
Jackson said, "Connecting our families in the Diaspora can unleash the power of a creative minority, sharing history and experiences."
The famous preacher produced a stunning speech in which he led the crowd in chants in which he shouted, "Let me hear your scream!"
For forty-five minutes Jackson motivated those in attendance, as he spoke passionately about the slave trade, the Iraq war, as well as personal reflections on his deprived childhood in South Carolina.
Many said that the address was more like an evangelical church service as Jackson repeatedly showed why his sermons have been so recognised throughout the world. Applause, cheers were heard from the crowd at regular periods throughout the speech.
Continually Rev Jackson urged the audience to "use your vote" and to "use your power to change the course of this world and this nation."
Britain’s rich ethnic mix inspired Jackson even more, and he used this as a point to whip the audience into frenzy. Rev Jackson called Britain’s ethnic minorities a "political giant", and commented that they were able to sway the outcome of a huge number of Parliamentary seats. In this, he drew a relation with the US presidential elections where Christian evangelicals helped to greatly influence the final voting results.
Jackson, concentrating on the campaign’s goal to register 100,000 ethnic minority voters by the May elections, told the crowd, "100,000 new voters can change the course of Britain and its politics and its priorities."
Jackson’s attendance was commented by various attendees to be "dynamic" as well as "inspirational" and "enlightening."
One member of the audience testified the huge impact of the Reverend, and reported, "There was lots of energy, positivity and love. It was one of the most amazing events I've been to in my life."
In addition to his OBV visit, Jackson has also this week urged London Mayor Ken Livingstone to reconcile with offensive statements that he made last week to religious groups.
Continuing his campaign for ethnic equality, Rev Jackson has also used his London visit to spearhead a Diversity Works for London initiative. The four-year London Development Agency-funded campaign seeks to promote equality, share business best practice and help businesses ensure that London's minorities are reflected across all staffing levels.
