Black Scots Trending on TikTok, African Americans Excited to Learn They Exist

August 20, 2025

African Americans on social media recently expressed surprise and excitement upon discovering Black people living in Scotland, with fitness influencer Torgi Squire's viral TikTok video sparking particular interest. Following these reactions, Afro-Scots began sharing their experiences living in the European country, where they make up 1. 2% of the population according to the UK's 2022 Census.

Who is affected

Black people living in Scotland (65,414 people, comprising 1.2% of Scotland's population)
African Americans on social media discovering Scotland's Black population
Afro-Scots like Deborah Mattaka who have experienced racism and prejudice
White Scottish people who may lack awareness about racial issues
The broader Scottish society where representation of Black history is limited

What action is being taken

Afro-Scots are sharing their experiences living in Scotland on social media platforms like TikTok
Researchers are pushing for the establishment of the Scottish Museum of Empire, Slavery, Colonialism and Migration (SMESCM)
SMESCM is currently maintaining an online resource that includes a migration timeline, blog, and virtual exhibits
The Coalition for Racial Equity and Rights is working toward building a physical museum space

Why it matters

The discovery challenges misconceptions about the presence of the African diaspora in European countries like Scotland
It highlights ongoing issues of racism and prejudice in Scotland, including in educational settings
The lack of representation and recognition of Black Scots in media and history has contributed to complacency about racial issues
The connections between Black Americans and Afro-Scots demonstrate shared experiences across the African diaspora
The proposed museum would provide needed historical context and representation for Black Scots

What's next

Researchers behind SMESCM and members of the Coalition for Racial Equity and Rights are continuing to work toward building a physical museum space
The SMESCM aims to develop "equitable and accessible practices" and create a "community-driven space" that counters existing power structures in museums

Read full article from source: The Washington Informer