International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination: A Call to Action
Each year on March 21, we observe the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination. It’s a day to reflect on the ongoing struggle against racism and recommit to building a more just and equitable society for all. This date was chosen to commemorate the Sharpeville Massacre in South Africa in 1960, when police opened fire on peaceful protesters opposing apartheid pass laws, killing 69 people. While the world has made significant progress in addressing racial discrimination, systemic inequities and racial injustices continue to persist in many societies.
Understanding Racial Discrimination Today
Racial discrimination is not just a historical issue; unfortunately, it remains a pervasive reality in our communities, institutions, and policies. It manifests in multiple ways, including:
✔️ Employment and Economic Inequality – Racialized individuals often face wage gaps, hiring biases, and barriers to career advancement.
✔️ Education Disparities – Unequal access to quality education, racial bias in curricula, and lower graduation rates disproportionately affect racialized students.
✔️ Justice System Disparities – Racial profiling, over-policing, and disproportionate incarceration rates are ongoing concerns in many countries.
✔️ Health Inequities – Systemic racism affects access to healthcare, quality of treatment, and health outcomes for marginalized groups.
Why This Day Matters
The International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination is not just about raising awareness; it is about action. It is an opportunity for individuals, communities, organizations, and governments to reflect on their role in creating a more equitable world. The spirit of this day challenges us to:
🔹 Acknowledge the Problem – Recognizing racial discrimination in its many forms is the first step toward meaningful change.
🔹 Amplify Marginalized Voices – Centering the voices of those most affected by racism ensures that their experiences and solutions shape the conversation.
🔹 Take Concrete Steps Toward Equity – Policies, workplace inclusion efforts, and anti-racist education are critical in dismantling systemic racism.
How You Can Take Action
Ending racial discrimination requires collective effort. Here are some ways you can make a difference:
✅ Educate Yourself & Others – Learn about racism’s history and present-day impact. Challenge misinformation and bias.
✅ Speak Up Against Racism – Challenge discriminatory comments, policies, and behaviours in your personal and professional life.
✅ Support Racialized Communities – Engage with and uplift businesses, initiatives, and organizations led by racialized individuals.
✅ Advocate for Policy Change – Push for reforms in education, policing, healthcare, and other systems to address racial inequities.
✅ Engage in Intercultural Competency Learning – Understanding different cultural perspectives fosters empathy, dialogue, and meaningful connections.
Final Thoughts
Racial discrimination is not an issue that lives in the past—it is a reality for many today. Observing this day is a reminder that we all have a responsibility to build a society free from racism and discrimination. Whether through individual actions, community engagement, or policy advocacy, we all have a role to play in shaping a more just future.
Talking about racism can be uncomfortable for everyone but if we don’t have conversations about it, learn what is to be done and do it, nothing will change.
Rather than just being a day of recognition—March 21st is a day of commitment, action, and change! Check out our Resources page for tools and more information.
How will you contribute to eliminating racial discrimination in your community? Share your thoughts in the comments!
Tymmarah (Tymm) Mackie, MA
Founder & President, Fostering Diverse Communities Canada
