International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination

Nova Scotians are being encouraged to recognize International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination on Wednesday, March 21, by the Human Rights Commission.

Each year on March 21, people around the world unite in a common goal, the elimination of racism. Since the 1960 massacre on that date of anti-apartheid demonstrators in Sharpeville, South Africa, it has been a symbol of the need to protect human rights.

In 1966, March 21 was formally recognized by the United Nations as the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination. The United Nations called on the international community to redouble its efforts to eliminate all forms of racial discrimination.

"We need to embrace and celebrate our differences, learn about each other and pass that knowledge on to our children and children's children. Education is the key to inclusivity," said David Shannon, director and CEO of the Human Rights Commission.

"My hope is that one day we will speak of racism in the past tense rather than our experience of the present," said Ann Divine, commission manager of Race Relations, Equity and Inclusion.

Events in the province to mark International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination include:

• the inaugural Diversity Pancake Breakfast on March 21 is being hosted by several partners for human rights at Sobeys, 272 Prince St., Sydney, from 8:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m.
• Citizen Engagement Workshops to help more African Nova Scotians be better informed and active in municipal elections will be held from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. on March 21 at: the Digby Regional High School, 107 King St.; Cornwallis Street Baptist Church, 5754 Cornwallis St. in Halifax; and in Truro at the Zion Baptist Church, 454 Prince St. One is also being held Tuesday, March 27, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. in Whitney Pier at Menelik Hall, 88 Laurier St.
• a lunch and learn hosted by the Human Rights Commission on the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, World Trade and Convention Centre, Halifax, 1800 Argyle St., Thursday, March 29, noon to 2:30 p.m.