The Black Paper

We Are Griots and WD Ventures
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Hosted by Ndukwe Onuoha and Cheta Nwanze, The Black Paper looks at UK politics through the lens of African heritage communities, many of whom are recent migrants.

  1. David Weaver: Tired, but not tapping out

    5d ago

    David Weaver: Tired, but not tapping out

    Summary What happens when a community can speak eloquently about its problems, but not so much about the solutions? We explore this in the latest episode of The Black Paper, with David Weaver, Chair of Operation Black Vote. David has spent his career inside British institutions — social work, local government, Whitehall, and for the past seven years leading the organisation that has spent thirty years trying to close the Black democratic deficit. We ask him what that work has delivered, whether OBV's founding proposition still holds, and what political leverage looks like for Black communities when all the options are bad. Key topics The importance of voting and civic participationThe normalisation of racism in politicsStrategies for community engagement and leadershipThe impact of legislation on black communitiesBuilding alliances across communities Chapters 00:00 Introduction to David Weaver and Operation Black Vote 03:06 The Mission and Impact of Operation Black Vote 06:12 Normalisation of Racism in Politics 09:00 Shifts in Black Voting Patterns 12:08 The Role of Political Parties and Community Engagement 15:13 The Importance of Jury Trials and Legal Protections 18:03 Reflections on Government Engagement with Black Communities 21:13 The Need for Active Participation in Politics 33:01 The Weight of Leadership and Fatigue 34:21 The Importance of Solutions in Activism 36:50 Building Alliances for Change 39:16 The Struggle Against Disengagement 40:11 Recognising Progress Amidst Fatigue 42:52 Community Collaboration for Political Influence 45:40 Expanding Operation Black Vote's Reach 50:52 Psychology of Civic Participation 54:00 Navigating Political Alliances 58:57 The Urgency of Political Engagement 59:40 The Normalisation of Hate and Its Impact 01:01:10 Community Engagement and Political Responsibility 01:04:20 The Role of Faith Organisations in Social Justice 01:07:14 Advice for Political Leaders on Inclusivity 01:10:09 The Importance of Multiracial Society 01:13:03 Building Bridges: Engaging the Black Community 01:15:09 Reflections on the Conversation and Future Actions 01:20:50 The Black Paper.mp3

    1h 21m
  2. What lies beneath: Examining the Domestic Violence Concession status

    May 19

    What lies beneath: Examining the Domestic Violence Concession status

    Send us Fan Mail Summary It’s been one year already! So, where better to start than by a quick reflection on the year so far - which didn’t last long, because Cheta decided to talk yet again about Labour’s woes!  Our discussion explored internal tensions within Labour, the strategic manoeuvring around figures like Andy Burnham, and how short-term political tactics can have long-term consequences. In the second half, the conversation shifts to a viral case within the Nigerian diaspora, using it as a lens to examine deeper structural issues. We examine the UK’s domestic violence concession, highlighting both its importance in protecting genuine victims and the growing concerns around its potential misuse. This opens up a broader discussion about vulnerabilities in the immigration system, the exploitation of legal pathways, and how isolated cases can distort public perception of entire communities. The episode also tackles the role of social media in amplifying personal conflicts, the gendered nature of public shaming, and the cultural pressures that shape how people experience and respond to relationships, abuse and accountability. A huge thank you to every single listener who has been with us over the past year. Here’s to many more together! Chapters 00:00 Anniversary Reflections 02:47 The Journey of The Black People Podcast 06:16 Political Dynamics in the UK and Nigeria 29:31 Understanding Domestic Abuse in the Immigration Context 29:34 The Ugo and Jessica Controversy 35:00 The Weaponisation of Domestic Violence Allegations 40:08 Exploring the Domestic Violence Concession 48:49 The Immigration Fraud Industry and Its Implications 55:14 The Black Paper.mp3 Support the show

    55 min
  3. Beginning of the end: Is Starmer’s premiership over?

    May 12

    Beginning of the end: Is Starmer’s premiership over?

    Send us Fan Mail Write to your MP Click on this link to write to your MP about Cllr Glenn Gibbins’s death threat to Nigerians: https://theblackpaper.co.uk/write-to-mp.html NIGERIAN-HERITAGE MEMBERS OF PARLIAMENT 1. Kemi Badenoch (Conservative MP for North West Essex ⁠kemi.badenoch.mp@parliament.uk⁠   2. Dame Chi Onwurah (Labour) MP for New Castle upon Tyne Central and West ⁠chi.onwurah.mp@parliament.uk⁠   3. Florence Eshalomi (Labour) MP for Vauxhall and Camberwell Green ⁠florence.eshalomi.mp@parliament.uk⁠   4. Kate Osamor (Labour) MP for Edmonton and Winchmore Hill ⁠kate.osamor.mp@parliament.uk⁠   5. Taiwo Owatemi (Labour) MP for Coventry North West ⁠taiwo.owatemi.mp@parliament.uk⁠   6. Bayo Alaba (Labour) MP for Southend East and Rochford ⁠bayo.alaba.mp@parliament.uk⁠   7. Helen Grant (Conservative) MP for Maidstone and Malling ⁠helen.grant.mp@parliament.uk⁠   8. Josh Babarinde (Liberal Democrat) MP for Eastbourne ⁠josh.babarinde.mp@parliament.uk⁠ Summary Following Labour’s heavy losses at the May local elections, pressure is growing on Keir Starmer, with some MPs now openly questioning his future as Prime Minister. In this episode of The Black Paper, we discuss the success of Reform during the local elections, the growing normalisation of racism in British politics, Labour’s identity crisis, and why politics is increasingly being driven by emotion and culture wars. We also reflect on what the local election results mean for representation, coalition politics, and the future of the country - while marking a year of The Black Paper! Chapters 00:00 Political Turmoil and Leadership Challenges 03:13 The Rise of Reform and Its Implications 06:04 Keir Starmer's Leadership and Political Strategy 09:06 The Impact of Local Elections on the Political Landscape 12:06 Community Dynamics and Political Representation 15:02 Reflections on Reform's Candidates and Future 18:07 The Bigger Picture: Coalition Politics and Future Prospects 26:46 Racism and Governance: A Community's Struggle 33:07 Political Silence and Community Response 35:27 The Importance of Calm in Political Turmoil 41:04 Emotional Politics and Voter Behaviour 43:16 Reflections on a Year of Podcasting 48:20 The Black Paper.mp3 Support the show

    49 min
  4. Numbers don't lie: Labour's African vote problem

    May 5

    Numbers don't lie: Labour's African vote problem

    Send us Fan Mail Summary Ahead of the 7 May local elections, we surveyed 123 African heritage voters across the UK. The findings confirmed some things we suspected, complicated a few assumptions, and threw up a few surprises. In this episode, we walk through the data: the scale of Labour's collapse in this community, the Green surge driven not by new voters but by Labour leavers, and what it will take for any party to earn this vote. It is one of the more important conversations we have had on the podcast. We hope you find it worth your time. Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Context of the Survey 01:05 Community Voting Intentions and Community Engagement 02:18 Survey Methodology and Respondent Demographics 03:33 Political Party Trends and Voter Preferences 04:56 Key Issues: Cost of Living, Housing, and Immigration 06:36 Community Engagement and Voter Registration Insights 09:57 Age and Demographic Breakdown of Respondents 12:25 Local vs National Issues and Community Concerns 15:14 Effective Campaign Strategies and Community Outreach 18:12 Influence of Political Figures and Community Inspiration 20:51 Emotional Factors and the Power of Hope in Politics 22:17 Immigration Policies and Community Impact 25:09 Representation of Black and Ethnic Minority Politicians 27:13 Barriers to Voting and Community Disconnection 28:46 Engagement Levels and Political Awareness 30:38 Interest in Local Issues and Community Participation 33:41 Housing, Land, and Local Service Concerns 43:48 Discrimination, Racism, and Community Safety 44:48 Cost of Living Crisis and Economic Challenges 54:31 Political Strategies and Community Mobilisation 57:52 Conclusion and Call to Action Support the show

    58 min

  5. Apr 28

    Democracy for sale: what does Christopher Harborne really want?

    Send us Fan Mail Summary On this episode, we ask why Christopher Harborne, a reclusive Sheffield-born billionaire living in Thailand, has donated more than £22 million to Reform UK, accounting for two-thirds of every pound the party has ever raised. We examine the billionaire's motives, and why Farage thinks anyone believes him when he says the donations come with no strings attached. We also look at what seems to be Labour's quiet retreat from its manifesto commitment to give 16-year-olds in England the right to vote. Is the fear of the Greens enough to ditch this commitment? Both stories are about influence on democracy, and how money and age may be deciding factors in the next General Elections. Also, with local elections on 7 May, we want to hear directly from our communities on how you’re thinking about these elections and whether you plan to vote. Take our short survey. It only takes two minutes. Your views matter. 👉🏾⁠https://bit.ly/4vUhd0Z⁠ Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Context 01:28 The Influence of Money in Politics 02:25 Chakrit Sankunrit: The Man Behind the Money 05:10 Understanding Cryptocurrency and Its Implications 10:16 The Ethics of Political Donations 15:24 Corruption and Politics: A Global Perspective 19:54 The Need for Electoral Reform 26:18 Conclusion and Reflection 26:48 Voting Age and Political Dynamics 29:40 Politics of Fear in Elections 34:48 Engaging Young Voters 36:57 Demographics and Political Influence 42:52 Community Engagement and Political Participation 49:57 Deportation and Social Justice Issues 52:25 The Black Paper.mp3 Support the show

    53 min

  6. Apr 22

    Prince of Darkness: will Peter Mandelson dim Starmer's light?

    Send us Fan Mail Summary Will Peter Mandelson be the end of Keir Starmer's premiership? In this episode, we explore how a need to contain Trump may lead to the overthrow of the current Labour administration. We also touch on Labour’s internal tensions, and the need for our community to be strategic with its votes come the May local elections. Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Current Political Climate 03:10 Kirstama's Leadership Challenges 06:02 The Role of Peter Mandelson 09:12 Mandelson's Controversial Appointment 11:58 The Fallout from Mandelson's Vetting Failure 15:03 Trust Issues within the Labour Party 17:57 The Infighting in Labour and Its Implications 21:12 Stammer's Political Strategy and Future 24:09 Conclusion and Reflections on Leadership 29:44 Political Promises and Accountability 30:26 Mandelson's Palm Oil Stain and Community Impact 32:33 The Importance of Leadership Stability 36:04 Geopolitical Concerns and Domestic Politics 39:37 The Role of Media in Political Perception 42:28 The Need for a Political Reshuffle 46:07 The Challenges of Leadership and Party Dynamics 49:37 Strategic Voting and Community Interests 53:20 The Future of Political Engagement 55:04 The Black Paper.mp3 Support the show

    55 min

  7. Apr 15

    On your mandate: are we ready for African Reform Councillors?

    Send us Fan Mail Summary Reform has unveiled its list of Council candidates for May, and their supporters are having a meltdown! Why? Because there are Black and Brown candidates amongst them. On this episode, we explore the wisdom of migrant communities standing and voting for Reform, the implications of short-term thinking, and identity politics. Cheta mentioned an article, which you can read here: https://thebusinesstimesng.com/how-inflation-is-driving-the-quiet-disappearance-of-akara/ Chapters 00:00 Welcome Back and Reflections on Nigeria 01:19 Reform Party's Candidate Meltdown 03:42 African Heritage Candidates in Reform 06:53 The Immigrant Experience and Political Aspirations 09:49 The Dilemma of Voting for Reform 12:45 Branding and Political Representation 14:07 Community Reactions and Racism 15:53 The Short-Termism Mentality 20:42 Societal Norms and Political Accountability 23:58 The Role of Personal Votes in Politics 26:54 Predictions for the Upcoming Elections 30:35 The Black Paper.mp3 Support the show

    31 min

  8. Apr 7

    Politics is a market place: why we should never stop engaging.

    Send us Fan Mail Kemi Badenoch is reported to be Britain's most popular party leader. But as Reform's poll numbers wobble, we ask whether the media has quietly shifted its gaze - and whether Kemi's rise is as much a media story as a political one. On immigration, Shabana Mahmood's plan to double the wait for settled status shows exactly what happens when political pressure drives policy. The communities set to lose the most had no seat at that table. Chapters 00:00Introduction and Context Setting 02:38Kemi Badenoch's Political Rise 14:48Shabana Mahmood and Immigration Policies 25:36Media Influence on Politics 30:42The Black Paper.mp3 Support the show

    31 min
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About

Hosted by Ndukwe Onuoha and Cheta Nwanze, The Black Paper looks at UK politics through the lens of African heritage communities, many of whom are recent migrants.

Information

  • Creator
    We Are Griots and WD Ventures
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    47
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2026 We Are Griots and WD Ventures
  • Show Website
    The Black Paper

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