On Wednesday (10th July 2024), Foysol Choudhury MSP spoke in the National Museum of Scotland at the African and Caribbean Heritage Public Engagement event on mapping heritage through community engagement and cultural performances.
The event included insightful discussions, theatre and musical performances, and a walking tour around Edinburgh to explore the rich African-Caribbean heritage throughout the city.
The event heard Mr Choudhury speak on the importance of celebrating diversity in Scotland, amplifying voices that have historically been ignored, and using arts and culture to educate young people about Scotland’s colonial history and the link to modern racism.
Mr Choudhury said: “Museums, historic attractions, and cultural events are vital forms of education, which can help inform young people on Scotland’s role in the horrors of the British Empire’s colonialism, so they can confront the unfair systems of power at the foundation of our modern society.
“There’s important work happening throughout the culture sector to develop engaging educational experiences on colonialism, including the Glasgow: City of Empire exhibition at Kelvingrove.
“I’m passionate about supporting similar initiatives at cultural institutions across Scotland.
“Sweeping Scotland’s colonial history under the rug will not erase it, and it will not fix modern issues of racism and inequality, which have colonial roots.
“Shedding light on these dark histories and educating young people about Scotland’s colonial past is essential to better prepare the next generation to participate in the important work of anti-racism and building a more progressive, just, and inclusive Scotland.”
As Scottish Labour’s Shadow Culture Minister and as the convenor of the Scottish Parliament’s Cross-Party Group on Challenging Racial and Religious Prejudice, Mr Choudhury will continue to advocate for anti-racist education and promote equality for all in Scotland.