Since the United Nations announced International Day for The Elimination of Racial Discrimination in 1966, the event has been marked globally on March 21. The Sharpeville massacre, the event that gave birth to the celebration took place in South Africa in 1960.
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South African Police opened fire on a peaceful demonstration against the racist apartheid regime’s pass laws. The injustice done to the people of color in South Africa on that day became the catalyst for the international community’s fight for racial equality.
Most people regard the celebration as an event to mourn and commemorate the lives of those who gave their lives in the fight for equal rights and democracy for all South Africans during apartheid. Here are five reasons why International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination is important.
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Honors the Fight for Human Dignity
The event remembers peaceful protestors against racist apartheid laws that were met with violence and eventually killed. On the event day, the government asks South Africans to think about their rights and protect their rights and those of others from violation, regardless of gender, religion, race, or sexual orientation.
So, the day reminds black people of the ongoing struggle for human dignity for people of all races. Check out these books Amazon about the struggles of black people to learn the need to honor those fighting for it.
Raises Awareness of Racial Injustice
Despite the end of apartheid, the struggle for the elimination of all forms of racial discrimination continues. Many societies across the globe still experience racial, ethnic, or origin Prejudices. Xenophobia and racist behaviors have contributed to inequalities in access to education, healthcare, and opportunities.
Additionally, systemic racism is also available in different institutions, including in the workplace. Thus, the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination helps to create awareness about the racial injustice and inequalities in access to education, healthcare, and opportunities that people of color face.
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Promotes Global Action
The fight for racial discrimination and injustice isn’t for one nation. It’s a global problem that requires international efforts to tackle it. And this is why the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination helps emphasize the need for a united front against racism.
The celebration helps encourage the international community to join hands to bring down racist structures and promote inclusion via policy changes and social initiatives.
Educate People on the Importance of Education
Quality education is the bedrock of the fight against racial discrimination. People need to be taught the need to treat everybody as one regardless of age, gender, color, or race.
During the celebration, many governmental and non-governmental organizations host educational events that challenge prejudices, dismantle hatred and stigma, and push for cultural understanding.
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Celebrates Diversity
The International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination celebrates the beauty of diversity.
The celebration is all about making it known that no ethnic group is superior to the other. It’s an event to educate people on the importance of equal rights and opportunities. It reminds people to come together and fight for inclusiveness, regardless of color, gender, and ethnicity.
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4 Common Ways to Mark the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination
Every year, March 21 is a day to take a stand against racism and celebrate diversity. Here are four common ways you can mark the event:
Educate Yourself and People Within Your Reach
Take some time to learn about racism. Check Amazon for books and documentaries that explore the history and impact of racism. Besides getting books from the marketplace, you can check for articles from government websites and videos on YouTube that explain its contemporary forms, such as xenophobia and microaggressions.
After expanding your knowledge on the subject, you can share what you learned with your friends and family or even your social media followers. The common way to share your knowledge is to host a movie night or discussion group focused on racial justice issues.
Challenge Racist Biasness
Almost everyone holds unconscious biases. Hence, the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination is the appropriate day to think about your biases and challenge them.
Also, you should respectfully and firmly speak up when you hear or witness any racial remarks. You should encourage people within your circle to have an honest and open conversation about a concrete action on how to combat racism.
Support Anti-Racism Organizations
Many organizations worldwide are pushing tirelessly for equality. So, you can donate funds or your time to these organizations. Additionally, you can volunteer to be a guest speaker if you know a lot about the subject to help promote diversity initiatives in your community.
Promote Inclusion and Diversity
Find and promote the content and artwork made by people of color. Additionally, watch movies and documentaries, and read books by authors from different races and backgrounds. Follow social media accounts that advocate for racial equality and stand against stereotypes. Simply check Amazon to find any type of books and resources that you would love to read.
The International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination is an important celebration for people of African descent and the world at large. However, a good understanding of why it’s celebrated will help us to take advantage of the event to advocate for a just and equitable world.
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