Today is the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination.
Forty-six years have passed since the Sharpeville Massacre on March 21st 1960, where 69 demonstrators, all people of colour, were shot and killed and 181 people were wounded by police during a peaceful protest against apartheid in South Africa. Six years later in 1966 The United Nations declared March 21st the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination and called on the international community not only to commemorate that tragedy, but also to work together to fight racism wherever it exists.
Racism still exists. People from all over the world still experience systemic, direct or indirect racism from acts of violence, hate crimes and harassment.
March 21st is a day for us all to remember and reflect on the fact that racism is still part of our world and we all have an important role and responsibility to build a world free from racism.
For white women, it is also important that we look at how we benefit from racism and actively work towards eliminating it. Racism will continue to exist systemically in organizations until we are able to acknowledge and name racism.
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Let’s continue to challenge each other, take risks and be courageous in the fight to end racism. “Do not feel guilty, take responsibility and ACT!”
On March 21st women at the shelter will have the opportunity to share some personal stories about their experiences with racism as we take time to honor and celebrate women’s histories and give space for them to speak out.
