International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination
March 21, 2007
Today marks the 41st anniversary of the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination. On March 21st 1960, over 5,000 Black African women, men, and children met in Sharpeville, South Africa, to protest against the Pass Law which was a component of the inequitable apartheid laws which had been in South Africa’s political framework since 1948. Over 300 police opened fire on the peaceful protestors and shot women, men, and children in the back as they fled from police attacks. When the smoke cleared, sixty-nine people were killed, including 10 children and 8 women and over 180 people were injured.
The Sharpeville Massacre marked a turning point in South Africa’s history. Racialized people of South Africa reacted with armed resistance and the world condemned the South African Apartheid policies.
As we reflect on the inhuman acts which have transpired in the world’s history due to race-based political philosophies which numerous governments and institutions have used to create barriers against racialized groups in areas of employment, housing, health care, justice and education we must continue to create anti-racism education that promotes an analysis of racism and its history in order to eradicate inequality.