As celebrations for Black History Month kick off across the UK, we’re proud to celebrate the contributions of young people of colour and renew our commitment to a Scotland where every young person feels safe, supported, and included.
Black History Month is one of the most important cultural celebrations of the year, and the Scottish Youth Parliament’s Anti-Racism Champions (ARC) group will be using our social media channels to raise awareness of Black communities in Scotland.
ARC first came together in March 2024, after several Members of the Scottish Youth Parliament (MSYPs) from ethnic minority backgrounds decided to develop an Anti-Racism Development Programme. The programme educates MSYPs and their Support Workers on issues affecting young people of colour.
The training introduces key terms such as privilege and explores how different parts of our identity shape our experiences. It also encourages participants to understand how different forms of oppression, including racism, sexism, and homophobia, are interconnected and reinforce one another.
Daniela Onyewuenyi, MSYP for Paisley and a member of ARC, said:
“This work is so important because it gives MSYPs the knowledge and tools they need to tackle racism head-on. By equipping young representatives with these skills, they can take what they’ve learned back to their local councils, schools, and communities, creating a ripple effect of awareness and change.
“But the work doesn’t stop here. By taking over SYP’s social media channels during Black History Month, our aim is to share these messages more widely, so that young people across Scotland, and the adults who support them, can learn, reflect, and join us in building an anti-racist future.”
Keep an eye on our Instagram account to find out more about Black History Month.
