International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination

Written by Medina Birani, BSW Placement Student for the Office of EDID

March 21 is International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination

This day recognizes that the injustices and prejudices fueled by racial discrimination take place every day.  Observed annually on March 21, it commemorates the day police in Sharpeville, South Africa, opened fire and killed 69 people at a peaceful demonstration against apartheid "pass laws" in 1960.

The 2024 theme is  “A Decade of Recognition, Justice, and Development: Implementation of the International Decade for People of African Descent”.  Racial discrimination and the legacies of slavery and colonialism continue to destroy lives and curtail opportunities, preventing billions of people from enjoying their full human rights and freedoms.

What can we do to honor this day?

  1. Educate Yourself and Others: Take the time to learn about the history and ongoing manifestations of racial discrimination, including its roots in slavery, colonialism, and apartheid. Share this knowledge with others to raise awareness.
  2. Support Anti-Racism Initiatives: Contribute to organizations and initiatives dedicated to combating racial discrimination, promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion, and advocating for racial justice. This could involve volunteering your time, donating money, or offering other forms of support.
  3. Speak Out Against Racism: Use your voice to speak out against racism and discrimination whenever you encounter it, whether it's in your personal life, workplace, community, or online. Stand up for those who are targeted or marginalized because of their race or ethnicity.
  4. Advocate for Policy Change: Support policies and legislation that promote equality, diversity, and inclusion, and advocate for reforms to address systemic racism and discrimination in areas such as law enforcement, education, healthcare, housing, and employment.
  5. Amplify Marginalized Voices: Make space for and amplify the voices of marginalized individuals and communities, particularly those most affected by racial discrimination. Listen to their experiences, stories, and perspectives, and support their efforts to advocate for change.
  6. Take Action Year-Round: While it's important to mark International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination, the fight against racism and discrimination is ongoing and requires sustained effort year-round. Make a commitment to continue taking action beyond this day.
  7. Reflect and Commit to Change: Take time to reflect on your own role in perpetuating or challenging racial discrimination and commit to being part of the solution. Engage in self-reflection, dialogue, and personal growth to become a more effective ally and advocate for racial equality.

Learn more in this video: International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination (21 March)