An equalities campaigner has said a pledge for transparency over Dundee’s links with the slave trade are a “good starting point”.
Proposals have recently been announced to shine a light on the city’s ties to racism and inequality, both historic and present.
An exhibition and walking trail are among the measures being considered, as well as the commissioning of new artwork to promote the idea of equality.
City leaders say it is time to accept the role Dundee played in the slave trade and to do more to tackle current issues, including human trafficking and discrimination.
There are no plans to topple statues or renaming streets, as has happened elsewhere in the UK but at a Dundee City Council meeting on Monday, councillors will be asked to explore other options.
Jean Master, a Dundee University Masters student, has been campaigning for equality since he moved to the city from France and co-organised the Black Lives Matter event in Magdalen Green.
He welcomed the move and said he has been asked to help firm up the proposals, as part of the council’s pledge to involve people of black and ethnic minorities in the talks.
Jean said: “These proposals put forward by the city council are an excellent starting point and I personally have been encouraged to be a part of the civic side of our city by elected members here.
“To be part of a city that is keen to not only acknowledge it’s past, as highlighted in this report, but also to celebrate Black History Month and work with their young people to educate towards a more equal and understanding city is something to relish.”
Proposals include a permanent exhibition in the McManus Galleries, a walking trail with information points across the city and further research into Dundee’s slavery links.
Councillors will also be asked to consider greater participation in Black History Month, improved Fair Trade work, more education in schools and a review of the city’s public safety approach to human trafficking.
At the policy and resources committee on Monday, councillors will be asked to set up a working group to consider the options, guided by black and minority ethnic residents of Dundee.
