The Coalition for Racial Equality and Rights is once again pleased to present our programme of events for Black History Month 2020.

It's a time to recognise the struggles and successes of Black people throughout history. Its a time to mark sacrifices, and also to celebrate achievements. It's a time to shine a light to Scotland's links with Empire, slavery and colonialism. In particular, it's a time to learn from and apply the lessons of the past to build a better anti racist future for us all. As always, we'd like to thank all the individuals, community groups and other organisations who have come together to make this programme possible, and to thank our friends, partners and funders for their continued support.

We had planned to hold a launch event at the Hunterian Museum; unfortunately Covid-19 put paid to our plans. Instead, we bring you two of the planned opening speeches - one from CRER's new Chair Sandra Deslandes-Clark and one from Steph Scholten, Director of The Hunterian: