PROJECT 21
COMMEMORATING MARCH 21
The Regional Multicultural Youth Council (RMYC) promotes March 21 -- The International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination -- to reaffirm our commitment to eliminating racial discrimination.
The Council organizes events and participates in activities to raise awareness on the contributions by different cultures and races that make Canada such a great country to live in. We also train youths to make presentations in schools on anti-racism and the need to get along.
* March 21 marks the anniversary of the 1960 Sharpeville massacre in South Africa when many peaceful demonstrators against apartheid were wounded and killed. In 1966, the United Nations declared March 21 the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination, in commemoration of this tragic event.
* On December 20, 1983, the General Assembly of the UN called upon all states and organizations to participate in the Program of Action for the Second Decade to Combat Racism and Racial Discrimination.
* On March 21, 1986, the Prime Minister proclaimed in the House of Commons Canada's participation in the Second Decade and said: "Let us all work toward the day when racism and racial discrimination become history and when every Canadian can participate fully and equally in the life of our country."
* In September 1988, ministers attending a federal/provincial/territorial ministerial conference on human rights agreed to commemorate March 21 across Canada.
* In 1989, the Government of Canada launched its first national March 21 campaign against racism.
The RMYC makes "Multicultural Bows" to commemorate March 21. The multicoloured ribbons of black, red, white and yellow intertwined signify the beauty of different races united in harmony. Since 1993, the Council has been distributing Multicultural Bows to Parliament Hill and Queen's Park for our political leaders to wear on March 21. We also give out ribbons to City Council, the police, educators and those who visit the Youth Centre and our displys to promote the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination.
We urge everyone to join the campaign for racial equality, and encourage people to wear a "Multicultural Bow"to celebrate diversity and help foster unity among diverse cultures of the human race.