Today is the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination

The reality is, racial discrimination is still present in our workplaces, our systems, and our communities. It shows up in policies, in practices, and in everyday interactions; sometimes loudly, and sometimes in ways that are subtle but just as harmful.

This day is a call on all of us to move beyond statements into meaningful change. To listen to lived experiences. To examine our own biases. To challenge systems that create inequity. To take action even when it’s uncomfortable.

At Fostering Diverse Communities Canada, we believe that creating inclusive communities requires more than intention. It requires commitment, courage, and accountability.

Change doesn’t happen by accident. It happens when each of us chooses to be part of the solution.

We often play this video when doing anti-racism/allyship education.

https://youtu.be/GTvU7uUgjUI?si=SkIaP092dJbnZVsM&t=5

In the video Joy de Gruy talks about her experience of racial discrimination at a grocery store. Pay attention to the people in her story. Who steps up and says something first? Who else is in the story and does or doesn’t say something, or notice WHEN they speak up.

It’s exhausting for people to have to continually explain to others why they shouldn’t discriminate against them and therefore it is VERY IMPORTANT to be able to recognize and respond to racism when it happens in front of you.

Fighting racism requires:
✔️ Courage to name it
✔️ Commitment to challenge it
✔️ Action to dismantle it

It means moving beyond “celebrating diversity” and doing the deeper work of addressing inequities, confronting bias, and creating spaces where everyone truly belongs. It requires self-awareness and organizational change.

Read Ibram X. Kendi’s “How to be an Antiracist”. He talks about how racism is embedded in policy so if you’re looking for somewhere to start, audit your organization’s policies. Include in the audit people who are Indigenous, Black, and Persons of Colour. Remember: “Nothing About Us Without Us” (borrowed from the Persons with Disabilities community). It won’t make sense to review policies for racism if you aren’t someone who has lived experience on the subject.

So today, we ask: What will YOU do to challenge racial discrimination, not just today, but every day?

Tymmarah (Tymm) Mackie, MA

Founder & President

Fostering Diverse Communities Canada

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