The British Muslim Initiative yesterday hosted a dinner for the leading civil rights campaigner and one of America's foremost political figures Rev Jesse Jackson during his  tour of nine cities across the UK.
 
Welcoming Rev Jackson, Ismail Patel spokesperson of BMI, acknowledged his legacy, stating, "He has was the conscience of America and the  great unifier, challenging  America to  establish just and humane priorities". He further added and called for Rev Jackson to "help guide the Muslim counter Islamophobia and call for justice in  the Holy Land".

Speaking at the dinner in East London,  Mr Jackson said forging a united front between all ethnic communities was critical. Addressing the diverse audience of leading community, business, trade  union, political and media figures from white, Muslim, Asian and Black communities, Rev Jackson urged ethnic minority communities to utilise their huge  social, economic and intellectual resources to end
marginalisation and bring  about real change.

Pointing to the example of shareholder action by black communities
in the US, Rev Jackson said the way forward for ethnic communities was unity, emphasizing that when one community is under attack, all
communities suffer: 'We need a coalition so we can share information. We need an  infrastructure like multinationals have.'

Karen  Chouhan, head of The 1990 Trust, said the Equanomics initiative will "focus on  education and empowerment and help get our young people to aspire to higher  things. It is this practical empowerment agenda, rather than the red herring  debates around integration and cohesion, which will make the greatest difference  in challenging inequality."

Simon  Woolley, coordinator of Operation Black Vote, said: 'We are taking the next  project forward for educating and empowering Britain that will serve notice on  every political party bar none, and will link the Diaspora in a global movement  that makes a difference.'

Lee  Jasper, chair of Operation Black Vote, also highlighted the important issue of  voter registration, urging all ethnic communities to use their voter power to  maximise their representation and ensure far-right parties are kept out in the  forthcoming elections.