I was born in the Caribbean and brought to England in 1964. For over 33 years I have experienced many of the direct and indirect disadvantages that burden the Black & Minority Ethnic (BME) community. I have also been witness to many great and wonderful achievements made by the BME community. Both the concerns/issues and achievements of BME people must be addressed and celebrated/profiled respectively, wherever and whenever possible and at the highest level that the BME community requires/desires.

In reflecting on some of my experiences, I most strongly believe that effective involvement for BME communities in social and economic regeneration requires a comprehensive commitment to autonomous structures for the BME community to operate within, whilst it engages in authentic partnership work with all stakeholders. In my work, I endeavour to bring about partnership/s operating on a mutually respective and supportive basis in order for impact/real change/success to be attained.

Generally, I have assisted with the development, establishment and management of several other BME specific and wider-community projects, programmes and organisations. The latter includes; Barnsley Black and Ethnic Minority Initiative, South Yorkshire Open Forum, VC Train, Keyfund, BME Regional Network Y&H and Social Enterprise Yorkshire & Humber.

E-mail: trenton@bbemi.org