YORKTON - At their regular meeting March 3, Yorkton Council were given a report on the upcoming International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination.
Lisa Washington, Manager of Community, Culture and Heritage with the city, gave a brief presentation to raise awareness of the March 21st day, and talked to the importance of anti-racism work throughout the province.
“Anti-racism work has never been more important than it is now,” she told Council.
“It is a significant event for our city, our province, our country and the world.”
Washington explained the day commemorates the 1960 Sharpeville massacre of peaceful anti-apartheid demonstrators in South Africa.
The United Nations declared the day in 1966 and Canada launched its first annual campaign against racial discrimination in 1989.
“March 21st is a time to consider both how racial oppression impacts our lives, and how cultural diversity enriches them. Your participation matters to fight racism,” said Washinton.
“At the core, racism and other oppressions are about power and privilege. In the quest to build equity and justice in our institutions and communities, anti-racism challenges the status quo. It is essential to commit to this difficult, long-term work in order to create communities that are welcoming and inclusive for all.”
The theme this year is ‘Rise Against Racism’.
“We are encouraging our friends, families, colleagues, and fellow community members to share their anti-racism messages and why rising against racism is important to each of you,” said Washington.
