Administrative/biographical history

The project ‘Taken for Granted’ was run by the Bernie Grant Trust to encourage Black and ethnic minority (BME) youngsters to become more engaged with UK politics. Part-funded by the Big Lottery, the project allowed participants to explore the current role of BME people in British political life, with a focus on the House of Commons and the House of Lords. Following a brief meeting with BME MPs and Lords, a tour of the House of Commons, and an archive session exploring the life of Bernie Grant at Bishopsgate Institute, the participants selected 10 political figures to be interviewed. Specialist training in interview techniques was provided by BBC special correspondent Kurt Barling and Channel 4 journalist Darshna Soni.

The Bernie Grant Trust was established by Sharon Grant in memory of her husband and former MP Bernie Grant following his death in 2000. The Trust has a board remit to address disadvantage arising from race and ethnicity. It has delivered community leadership programmes in several UK locations.

Scope and content

Interviews conducted by Black and ethnic minority (BME young people with BME politicians in 2011 as part of the Bernie Grant Trust project, 'Taken for Granted', (2011).

Quantity

10 wav.