March 21, 2023 is the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination
International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination is recognized on the anniversary of the day 69 people were killed in 1960 when police opened fire in Sharpeville, South Africa at a peaceful demonstration against apartheid “pass laws”. “Pass laws” were designed to segregate and limit the movement of Black South Africans, who fought tirelessly against an oppressive system.
In Canada, while some progress has been made, Indigenous people, racialized communities and religious minorities continue to face racism and discrimination in their daily lives. This date is an opportunity for us to recommit our efforts to combat hate, systemic racism, racial and religious discrimination. Now and moving forward, let’s reflect on how we can take action in our daily practices to include, affirm, give voice to, and protect those who have been excluded, discriminated against, harmed, silenced and rendered invisible.