For more information on the 'Media Conference 97' click here POST - CONFERENCE INFORMATION ON THE BLACK BUSINESS AND EMPLOYMENT CONFERENCE 1997
The Black Business and Employment Conference sponsered by New Nation newspaper was hel on Sunday 11th May at the University of London Union. The conference was brought to the public by a dedicated team of volunteers from Youth ARA and the African/Caribbean and Asian Societies at the university of Brunel, Kings College, London Guildhall, Middlesex, North London, Southbank and Westminister.
The unique forum attracted a wide ranging debate on many fundamental issues affecting young Black people and entrepreneurs. The distinguished panel of guest spealers made valuble contributions with their informative and motivating speeches to the 400 strong audience that attended. The panel was comprised of Tetteh Kofi, Publisher of New Nation newspaper, Sailesh Mehta, Barrister, Yvonne Thompson, president of the European Federation of Black Women Business Owners and David J. Albritton, Deputy Public Affairs Officer for the U.S Naval Force in Europe. The conference highlighted black business achievement and successful black business people.
Tetteh kofi commended the positivity which was a distinct characteristic of youth and that had been a feature of the young people who had succeeded in delivering the whole conference. Work in the volutary sector wa recommended as an accessible and invaluble means of developing business skills such as management, finance, interpersonal and communication skills, whilst gaining achievements by developing community initiatives.
Inspiring speeches directed towards undergraduates focused on taking a proactive approach to marketing themselves and that nothing was a 'no go area'. The importance of an informative, innovative, targeted curriculm vitae from an employer's perspective in today's competitive employment market was emphasised. A message that came from all speakers was that it was up to the individual to succeed.
An examination of the Justice system by Barrister, Sailesh Mehta, raised important issues regarding the lack of awareness of many members of the black community of their legal rights. It was up to the individual to use the law as a shield and when necessary as a sword and educate themselves to be euipped to challenge the wider community when injustices occured. Sailesh rasied awarness of various incidents and human rights injustices that the Black community in Britain had to face every day a the hands of the British justice system. He reminded the audience of the tragedy and horror of the murders of Steven Lawrence and Joy Gardener amongst others and the various discriminatory practices of the Justice system in Policing and sentencing. The overall picture presented was blea, but the underlying message was that these issues had to be campaigned against by Black people and that the situation had to change.
He continued by highlighting the low representation of Black people within the legal profession itself and particularly with regard to top city law firms. Here again there was considerable room for improvement in the implementation of non-discrimintory procedutre within the profession and more careful monitoring was required.
Yvonne Thompson spoke of the challenge of being in business as black women in a flank and illuminating speech. She spoke of her personal experiences and the effects of having a business on personal, family and social life. She reiterated the hard work and commitment it took to manage a business.
David J. Albritton brought the American perspective to the conference. He explained that scholarships for black students had proved succesful in America, taking them into key positions within organisations. To create and enforce change for the betterment of black people and society, black people needed to be within organisations in decision making roles. Institutionalised racism needed to be exposed and challenged at all levels in society and it was time for the 'concrete ceilings' to be demolished. David Albritton spoke of his concern at the similar high levels of black youth unemployment, an American phenomenon that was emerging as a reality in Britain, with a whole generation of young black people and in particular black men in certain areas never experiencing work - a disenfranchised generation. On a personal note, he vividly described his childhood environment and the poverty and crime that he confronted daily. His ambition to improve his circumstance and create opportunites for himself, led him to a career in the Navy and the highprofile, prestigious position David now occupies.
The delegates response was overwhelmingly positve. The need for such a forum to be provided on a more frequent basis was emphasied by the delegates throughouot. The whole day buzzed with the constant fervour of sales and marketing business people. The confernece provided a unique forum for networking. Networking and establishing contacts was an issue spoken of by many of the guest speakers. it was highlighted to be a necessary facet of creating and supporting a cohesive black business community and providing employment opportunities.
The seminars were informative, interactive sessions hosted by professional and business consultants on a range of topis including the reality of the world of work, job searching skills and motivation, tailoring your C.V., to business plans, finance and reasons why you should start your own business.
The importance of business in the black community and self employment was emphasised repeatedly. The issue of high black youth unemployment was addresses and that the creation of black business would create employment opportunities for young black people who could be mentored, trained and equipped with business skills. Stereotyping issues focused on black people as a consumer market for fast food and trainers, yet not as a serious community with intelligent entrepreneurs.
Strategic financial planning was required not only in terms of long term business investmnet but in how and where the black community spends their money. The issue of 'recycling the black pound' came to the fore. Spending within the black community, in black business to gain a return by supporting each other. this recycling was prevalent in the Indian, Chinese and Jewish communities aiding cohesiveness, but was considerably lacking within the African/Caribbean community.
The importance of long term objectives and leaving legacies and institutions for the future generations was stated as a key reason for starting businesses.
Anesta Weekes, barrister specialising in employment in law brought the issues of Europe and the Social Chapter to the conference. Issues that have been widley spoken of in Government rhetoric but the real implications of which have yet to be addresses to employers and employees of samll businesses. Some delegates expresses their fears with regards to the adverse effect of the Social Chapter on black businesses. Anesta clarified many important aspects of the Social Chapter.
The volume of European legislation sffecting business was a concern to many business people. Important contacts and information centres were mentioned during the course of the speeches. The importance was stressed of young entrepreneurs and business people equipped themselves with the necessary information on the laws that affected them mainly as small businesses. It was stressed that much of the legislation coming out of Europe, did not apply to small businesses.
Young black people in the employment market needed to be aware of the European employment opportunities that existed for them from the freedon of movement that had arisen out of EC membership. However, as yet there was no uniform race legislation and although Britain had a some protection for its citizens under the Race Relations Act 1976, other EC member states had very limited protection from discrimination. There was therefore a nees to implement European race legislation - a European mandate for the new government!!
The conference highlighted a need for this educational forum to be provided. Many of the issues discussed arose from the background of the resource material within the conference pack. Contacts of businesses, training and advice agencies and information centres are also provided in the conference pack along with a profile of the guest speakers. The conference pack is a useful resource for students and young entrepreneurs and is available from Youth ARA for the price of £5.00, including postage and packing. Cheques should be made payable to Youth ARA. For a copy of the conference pack and further details of YARA membership, future conferences and other events. please write to YARA, PO BOX 150, LONDON WC 1X 9AT.