A message from: Ettie Rutherford, Ontario Provincial Rep.

Congress of Black Women of Canada

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

March 21, 2006

 INTERNATIONAL DAY FOR THE ELIMINATION OF RACIAL DISCRIMINATION

On March 21, 1960, the world was shocked by the news of the Sharpeville Massacre in South Africa. Scores of peaceful demonstrators against apartheid were wounded and killed. In commemoration of this tragic event, the United Nations declared March 21 the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination.

 In 1989, the Canadian Government showed support for the United Nations’ declaration by launching its first national March 21 campaign. The focus of the campaign is twofold :(1) to inform Canadians about racism and its ugly presence in our society: and (2) to encourage everyone to do something, however small, to eradicate racism whenever it is recognized, at home, at school, at play or at work.

 Many Canadians, and even some of us in the Black community, tend to believe that there is no need for such a campaign because of the subtle ways in which racism manifests itself in this country and also because some of us are living in denial either because we can’t be bothered to join the dialogue or because we are sometimes ashamed to acknowledge the racist incidents that have been experienced by us, our families, or our friends. Stereotyping, prejudice and discrimination provide the bedrock for racism, which is an evil practice that for hundreds of years has eroded the souls, self-concept and well-being of millions of people, especially Blacks. Historically, racism has affected our chances in education, our employment and promotion in the work-force, our experiences with the police, financial institutions, medical institutions and practices, human rights and a host of other areas of our lives.

 As members of the Congress of Black Women of Canada it is imperative that we not only acknowledge the negative impact that racism has had on our lives, but that we also strive to bring more awareness, through programs and activities in our chapters, to our families, our children and our co-workers (of whatever race).

 I sincerely hope that chapter presidents, will include awareness of racism as one of the areas of focus while making plans for future programming.

 We owe this to our selves and others so that we will be better able to guard against, and work proactively to minimize the impact of racism on our lives.

 LET US NEVER FORGET OR BECOME COMPLACENT