Operation Black Vote (OBV) said the Local elections across the England and Wales have sent a warning shot to Labour from Black communities unhappy with the Government's direction.
The local elections are a verdict on how local councils are performing in providing essential services to communities on the ground, such as litter collections, housing, education provision and the environment.
However, these elections will inevitably be viewed also as a referendum on the Governments agenda, and that of the Labour Prime Minister Gordon Brown who faced his first election as leader.
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It is no secret that civil liberties groups have been alarmed at the Government's national programme including its insistence on forcing through a bill to allow for 42 day detention which many believe will disproportionately affect black communities, particularly Muslims.
There has also been a perception that the 10p tax rate will affect sections of the Black community other than low paid workers, such as pensioners and single parents.
The Government has been dealt a swinging blow from one of its most loyal group of supporters-9 out of 10 of the Black electorate traditionally vote Labour (down to 7 out of 10 this year). Labour will have to win the trust of Black communities back if it seeks to win the next general election.
The other political parties will now recognise that to build on their electoral gains yesterday they will have to engage and respond to the Black vote.
Simon Woolley, Director of Operation Black Vote said: "The political gauntlet has been laid down for the next general election.
"The Black vote is a sleeping giant that can decide who wins and who loses in key areas across the England and Wales. Let no politician or political party take the Black vote for granted.
"Black communities are register, voting and laying claim to their democratic freedoms".
Ashok Viswanathan, Assistant Director of Operation Black Vote said:"Black communities across England and Wales have spoken. Their will be no tacit support for any politician or policy that seeks to demonise, criminalise, or impoverish the progress of their families and future.
"Yes, Labour is the traditional stronghold for our communities, but not at any cost".
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