March 21 is the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination

March 21 is designated by the United Nations (UN) as the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination. It's a day observed all around the world to focus attention on the problems of racism and the need to promote racial harmony.

The UN made this designation in 1966 to mark a tragic event that took place on March 21, 1960 in Sharpeville, South Africa.  Forty-eight years ago, more than 7,000 individuals gathered to rally against apartheid and its "pass laws," which required all Africans to carry a pass book.  The pass book is like an internal passport; it contained details of the bearer, such as their fingerprints, photograph, address, and the name of their employer who often entered their personal evaluations on the conduct of the pass holder.  This information enabled the South African government to restrict and monitor their whereabouts.  Anyone found without a pass book could be arrested and detained for up to thirty days.  

At that peaceful demonstration, 69 people were killed (including eight women and ten children), and 180 were injured by South African Security Forces.

On March 21, let us all take the time to recognize the harmful effects of racism and extend our individual and collective efforts to ensure the eradication of racism and the realization of mutual respect, equality and justice for all in our workplaces, union and communities.

On this day, OPSEU reaffirms its commitment to promote anti-racism, which includes the implementation of measures that encourage full engagement and participation of our diverse membership in the workplace, union and community.  We are stronger as a union when the diversity of our membership is unified.  An important first step in achieving this goal is to respect the dignity of each OPSEU sister and brother.    

“An Injury to One is an Injury to All"