Eliminate racism

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"March 21st is an important day around the world. It is a day to meditate on the negative impact of racial discrimination, and to imagine a world without it," said Edmonton Mayor Bill Smith,

As part of the launch of a month-long commemoration of the day devoted to the elimination of racial discrimination, Edmonton City Hall played host to a ceremony titled Break the Cycle of Racism. Guest speakers, college students, and other members of the community were present.

The keynote speaker was Cecil Foster who is the author of numerous books, including A Place called Heaven: The Meaning of Being Black in Canada, which won an award from the Writer's Development Trust for the best Canadian non-fiction book on social issues. He also wrote the critically acclaimed novel Slammin' Tar.

Special guest speaker was Satya Das, a journalist with the Edmonton Journal, who spoke on the topic "Universal Declaration of Human Rights: a Canadian's Gift to the World." He touched on such topics as the political, cultural and social issues that are affected by racism.

March 21 marks the anniversary of the 1960 Sharpeville Massacre where scores of Black South Africans were slaughtered during a peaceful demonstration. In commemoration of that awful day the United Nations declared March 21 as the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination.

The Break the Cycle of Racism event was the first of many planned for the month. People attending the ceremony wore the symbol of a painted orange hand on their coats which says we all have a hand in equality.

"Canada was the first country to show support for an anti-racism day," said Dave Thiele, councillor for the city of Edmonton. "The diverseness in cultures enriches all."

"It is a good thing people are aware that racism exists," said Richard Derocher, a student at AVC. "Maybe we can all learn to get along."

An Aboriginal all-female drum group called the Red Players Theatre, entertained the crowd. Michelle Roline and Chrissie Auger are singers and drummers in the group.

"My best friend was Chinese, but she was told by her parents not to hang out with me because I am Native," said Auger "Her mom did not appreciate our friendship."

Pillars of Peace, an interpretive dance group, also entertained at the luncheon. They performed their interpretation of when racism usually starts in a child's life, and how it affects kids in all communities.