right to vote in local elections however most countries citizenship is still required to vote nationally. In any case language continues to be a barrier for effective participation in the political landscape in any sense in Greece. Proper training and sensitization of the civil society is necessary for the effective participation of immigrants in politics. My case was extraordinary and in no way the average, I acquired citizenship through sports and marriage followed by fame and a general acceptance of the society. I am honored to say that I am the first and the only black person to be elected to the City Council of the Municipality of Athens. In spite of fame and general acceptance I heard while campaigning “PASOK couldn’t find a Greek candidate. They needed a black?” or “Oh yeah that’s what we need the Blacks to run our government” In the best case scenario \much work is needed in the society at large and for the immigrants themselves to learn their host countries language, laws and regulations, to obtain finances and so much more than of course 5 minutes doesn’t allow for me to state. I look forward to a healthy and productive discussion. Thank You