The United Nations (UN) declared March 21 as the International Day to Eliminate Racial Discrimination in response to the killing of a group of racialized and peaceful demonstrators in Sharpeville, South Africa.
It is apparent that more work needs to be done; not only in our local communities, but all over the world.
Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, there have been many reports of cultural minority communities, particularly the Asian community, being targets of violence in Canada and across the world. The attack on Indigenous peoples in the healthcare system in BC and other parts of Canada are well-documented.
Racism identified in various structures of government, in community-based businesses, and other organizations must be eliminated.
Let us all work together to form a just and peaceful society for all, irrespective of race, gender, religious and political affiliations. Let us observe this day as a day to examine our own role in creating a racism-free world!