He said that the time to act should not be delayed: “If not now, then when? And if not us, then who?” Akala spoke about race and class, and the importance of investing in Black communities for the long-term and giving young people opportunities. A panel discussion followed, talking about the Brent Black Community Action Plan as well as key issues facing the Black community. The panellists were Brent-based figures including boxer Ashley Theophane, Boney M singer Liz Mitchell, headteacher Danny Coyle, youth and community manager Deji Adeoshun and psychotherapist Martina Jean-Jacques. Audience members fed in their questions to the speakers and panellists. Everyone welcomed the plan but there were challenges about creating more community-owned spaces, sustainability and accountability of the action plan as well as providing the community with the adequate resources.