On a slightly more positive note, we received several emails and phone calls about the BBC’s Black Flash and The Black Mozart documentaries. While we would agree that these programmes were certainly a step in the right direction, we look forward to the day when the BBC, and indeed all broadcasters concentrate on producing more documentaries and programmes about African people that are NOT just related to music, sport and crime.

Of course, we can not forget to mention the Secret Policeman documentary if only to say that we hope that this will NOT be included in the BBC’s ‘quota’ for ‘multicultural’ programming. The documentary highlighted issues that most of us are fully aware of and if anything, was aimed at those Europeans who think that racism is just a figment of our imagination.

Finally, on the event front, we attended the bme tvfm symposium 'Promoting Diversity in Broadcasting' and the BMC debate on Black Music & Identity: How’s Black Britain represented?

For further, information on all these media stories, visit our media page.

Our own event, jointly organised with the Sankofa Youth Movement (SYM), proved to be more successful than we anticipated with excellent performances from poets Tuggstar, Issues, Gemma Weekes and Winsome. The food, which was cooked by SYM and Ligali members, went down a storm, which was no surprise considering the range of African influences in the group, including Nigerian, Grenadian, Seychellois, Ethiopian, St Lucian, Jamaican and Sierra Leonean! Many thanks to Afro Pick, particularly Princess, for the valued support and to Adrian Browne of AB Films for providing most of the short films that we screened. Special thanks to those who gave very generous donations and last but not least, all those people who attended.

Ligali also attended the National Demonstration Against Deaths in Custody (25 Oct), organised by the United Friends and Families Campaign this weekend. We were disappointed that the Mayor’s Office chose to arrange their event ‘First Voice’ on the same day, despite knowing that this important demonstration takes place at around the same time every year. We certainly hope that next year, not only will the Mayor’s office avoid a similar misjudgement, but also that more people attend the demonstration and give support to the families who need it. We would urge you to visit the UFFC website and support the organisation in whatever way you can.

Talking about misjudgements, the Mayor of London’s Race advisor Lee Jasper has upset Diasporan Africans over his dissed-invitation to the highly renowned Marcus Garvey scholar Dr. Tony Martin. Protesters at the First Voice Conference were ejected or banned from coming into the building by bouncers who gagged anyone trying to raise the issue on Dr Martin’s behalf. Several members of our community including Voice newspaper contributor Tony Sewell are calling for a direct apology to Dr Martin or Lee Jasper’s resignation!

One of the most memorable events of the month was the amazing lecture on the African Presence in Asia by Runoko Rashidi at the London Metropolitan University, organised by the Pan African Society (24 Oct). Meanwhile, the recent Soul Food lived up to its now well-established reputation of providing quality entertainment in the form of excellent spoken word poets and singers.

For more information about events in November, visit africanhistorymonth.org or the Ligali events page

DAVID BLUNKETT ACCEPTANCE SPEECH

"Firstly, I would like to thank Ligali for giving me the prestigious award. I feel I have done much to deserve it and it's about time people started to recognise my achievements.

When the Police forces wanted to focus on Gun crime, I ordered them to tackle the ‘perception’ of crime and run a political PR initiative called 'safer streets'.

I am also an active supporter of the BNP. For example, when racism against asylum seekers was fuelling BNP gains it was all due to my inappropriate and offensive language that I use to remain ‘in touch’ with the electorate.

One of my most recent achievements, and one that I am particularly proud of, was my response to the BBC's The Secret Policeman' documentary. I wrote to the BBC to express my concerns about this expose. (I mean, I know the police are racist, but there's no need to inform the wider population of that fact!). I attacked the BBC's films as a 'covert stunt to get attention'. My later U-turn was only a result of certain Spin, I mean Public Relations advisors!

Of course, I can not fail to mention my anti-social, Anti Social Bills. Pure genius if I do say so myself. I believe that all of the above constitute my status as a racially insensitive offender of the highest magnitude! Finally, I would like to thank my boss, Tony Blair, for giving me the opportunity to continue to offend people every time I open my mouth.

Thank you."

Don’t forget that you are free to nominate people or institutions that you feel should be placed on our RIO list. Similarly, please send us your recommendations for African British Community activists who you feel have or are making great strides for the liberation of African people.