When is International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination?
International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination occurs on March 21st.
What is International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination?
Prejudice is ugly. Long-standing feuds and hatred between neighbors create the fear and suspicion that end in blood. To fight this, International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination promotes racial tolerance based on the inherent dignity of all human beings.
In 1960, a peaceful demonstration against segregation laws ended when 69 people were killed by police fire in Sharpeville, South Africa. The U.N. chose the anniversary of that slaughter as International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination. South Africa celebrates March 21st as Human Rights Day in honor of the Sharpeville Massacre. Advocates for racial tolerance use this day to promote anti-racism efforts around the globe.
All over the world, social bias and racist laws take aim at minorities, migrant communities, and refugees, especially those of African descent. International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination fires back to protect vulnerable communities from prejudice.
Facts about International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination!
- Segregation in the U.S. armed forces ended in 1948. The Supreme Court ended racial segregation in public schools in 1954, but many schools remained segregated.
- As late as 2016, a federal judge ordered the Cleveland School District in Mississippi to desegregate. There were 43 desegregation lawsuits in Mississippi in 2014.
- Xenophobia is the fear of foreigners and unfamiliar things.
How to celebrate International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination:
- Find organizations in your own community that promote racial tolerance. See what events they offer and how you can support their efforts.
- Teach your kids about prejudice and xenophobia. Model for them how to be inclusive by creating an atmosphere of acceptance in your own home.
- Contact your political representatives to promote policies that discourage racism and shelter vulnerable populations.
What’s the hashtag for International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination?
Use #FightRacism on social media to promote racial equality and tolerance.