THREAD: My response to @NicolaSturgeon's announcement today that @ScotGov will invest £470,000 in a new BAME leadership project at @UofGlasgow's @JohnSmithCentre 1/6

I am delighted that this major new project to support BAME leadership will be taken forward at @UofGlasgow. As a University, we are determined to do everything we can to support racial justice and equality, within our institution and in wider society. 2/6

That is why we have been at the forefront of efforts to enhance awareness and understanding of our country’s part in the historic slave trade – as well as the deeply regrettable ways in which our own institution benefited from the reprehensible practice. 3/6

But understanding the horrific injustices of the past is not enough – we must also ensure we focus on how we can positively impact the future, and we are committed to doing exactly that. 4/6

Already, we have launched the James McCune Smith scholarships for African and African Caribbean undergraduate students and are working with the University of the West Indies on the Glasgow-Caribbean Centre for Development Research. But we know there is much more to do. 5/6

The new programme announced today will be a major step forward in this regard – and I look forward to working with @ScotGov and the @JohnSmithCentre to ensure it is a resounding success. 6/6

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