I went along and attended the second meeting of the newly founded Sheffield Black Community Alliance (SBCA).
The aim of the meeting was to discuss the way forward for the new organisation. The Black Community Forum was being moved into the history books with lessons to be learnt by the fifteen or so local black and ethnic minority volunteers and professionals present.
Ahmed Gurnah, Dr Abdul Shaif and the Chair of the Pakistani Muslim Centre chaired the meeting, all representing the organisation now calling itself SBCA.
Darnall Councillor Mazher Iqbal and African-Caribbean City Councillor for Richmond, John Campbell also joined the discussion prompted by Aisha Special K, relating to the dissolving of BCF and wanting to be sure that lessons had been learnt and that mistakes weren’t repeated.
Aisha mentioned that she had heard about the meeting by chance and called to slow things down, adding:
“We must not allow ourselves to become misrepresented because we’ve moved too quickly. We must consult and allow all black people to become properly involved in SBCA, so this new organisation is inclusive from the start.”
All present agreed.
Ahmed Gurnah presented a draft working constitution that had been tabled at the previous meeting. It was agreed to review the working constitution and to move towards forming a proper accountable, fully representative and fairly elected body that will reflect Sheffield’s black and ethnic minority communities.
Abdul Shaif said:
“We want people to not just get involved, but to take a leadership role of the new SBCA. This new organisation will only succeed if it can truly reflect the nature of the community and create a new voice for the black communities. Fresh blood is required to give it energy and a fresh start, with clear direction”.
by Rob Smith
Get involved…
There is a need for people to help by attending the Sheffield Black Community Alliance (SBCA) strategy working group now taking place every Thursday at 5pm at Forum House on Spital Hill. SBCA is also to hold an AGM in September, for more information: contact Ahmed Gurnah or Abdul Khayoom on 279 4960.