EDWARD Obi, Bridgebuilder of the recently registered charity Diversity Bridge SCIO, met with Kevin Stewart, Member of the Scottish Parliament (MSP), to discuss the charity’s growing impact, its future plans, challenges, and opportunities for collaboration aimed at supporting ethnic minority communities in Aberdeen.
Registered in April 2024, Diversity Bridge SCIO has quickly established itself as a key advocate for diversity and inclusion within the city. The charity is focused on building bridges across communities and raising awareness about the challenges faced by ethnic minority groups. Through initiatives like diversity awareness workshops and community events, Diversity Bridge is creating spaces for underrepresented voices to be heard. A recent highlight was the charity’s participation in the Celebrate Aberdeen parade, where interviews with attendees helped spread the message of inclusivity and unity.
Looking ahead, Obi shared plans for a major event during Black History Month—the Cultural Exchange Experience. This session, aimed at children from low-income households, will feature cultural activities celebrating diversity and promoting inclusion. The event will provide a platform for ethnic minority children to engage in cross-cultural learning, helping to build understanding and shared experiences. Obi emphasised the importance of partnerships with local organizations to ensure the event’s success and accessibility to all.
During the meeting, Obi discussed the challenges facing the charity, particularly in securing sustainable funding. As Diversity Bridge SCIO continues to develop its programs—such as school holiday activities for children aged 5-14—the charity needs consistent support to expand its reach. One challenge has been reaching newer immigrant communities and ensuring that ethnic minority groups are aware of the services available to them. Obi highlighted that continued support is crucial for the charity to meet the growing demand for its services.
The conversation also explored how Diversity Bridge SCIO could collaborate with MSP Kevin Stewart on initiatives supporting diversity and inclusion. One proposal was to co-host community forums that examine how local policy decisions impact ethnic minority communities in Aberdeen. Stewart’s influence could also help secure resources, including access to affordable venues for events, and help raise awareness about the services offered by Diversity Bridge.
Obi highlighted key policy areas where Stewart’s support would be invaluable, particularly in improving access to essential services for ethnic minority groups and addressing systemic inequalities in employment, housing, and education. Drawing on his experience in HR, Obi emphasised the need for policies that promote workplace diversity and support marginalised communities. These policy changes would significantly benefit the ethnic minority population in Aberdeen and help create a more inclusive society.
