Gina Miller’s book RISE should inspire Black Britons who overwhelmingly voted remain in the EU in the British 2016 referendum.

This confident, elegant child of the Guyanese Windrush

Generation heritage has done what Caribbean’s do quite well: point out the flaws in John Bull’s rosy-cheeked, plump-faced England.

The arch-Remain campaigner led the greatest legal upset of modern times – requiring that the final EU exit decision is Parliament’s, not the government alone.

Miller advises “It is when things feel the most uncertain…that we must dig deep”.

“That’s when we must rise up and be more vocal” says the founder of endthechaos.co.uk

“If we hide, she warns, society “might be transformed into a hostile, alien environment in which we have no say and where things we love and value no longer exist”.

RISE shows Ms Miller is “Unapologetic…and impatient to make a difference”, says Afua Hirsch, British writer, broadcaster, and journalist for The Guardian newspaper

Rise is living proof that “Change happens when individuals speak truth to power “, says June Sarpong MBE and British television presenter.

In RISE Ms Miller shares her life lessons in speaking out, standing tall and leading the way. It is a deeply personal and painful contribution to the #MeTo movement against sexual harassment. She was a target not just of sexist and racist abuse, but physical threats to her and her family.

Ms Miller’s story is a wakeup call for Black Britons who traditionally vote Labour. They have a chance to RISE and make a difference. Especially as desperate Prime Minister Theresa May tours the country to get the EU deal past parliament and the public in the next 15 days.

Moreover, in one extraordinary action, the one-time staunch Labourite thrust her campaign into the murky political arena. The nation and the Windrush heirs are threatened by the government’s Brexit deal. Opposition party leader Jeremy Corbyn should “ensure there is an option for remain in the parliamentary vote”. So that “the people of the United Kingdom through parliament can end this chaos”.

Whatever the verdict, one thing is certain. The court case that stalled Brexit and the remarkable writing and campaigning of a Windrush heir have foreshadowed a new role for Black Britons in the public realm.

NOTE

Inspired by that idea, I have read with interest the parliamentary statements of  Remain campaigner David Lammy MP. And acknowledge the many spokespersons for Black communities who deserve more recognition than they often receive.

Regular readers know how important community action is. It can introduce people to new ideas. And when it succeeds, it is almost always because of individuals who, like Bob Marley said , “Get Up. Stand Up, don’t give up the fight”