Origins of the International Day of the Elimination of Racial Discrimination

Today marks the International Day of the Elimination of Racial Discrimination. On this day in 1960, police opened fire and killed 69 people at a peaceful demonstration in Sharpeville, South Africa. Six years later, the UN General Assembly proclaimed the day and called on the international community to redouble its efforts to eliminate all forms of racial discrimination. (United Nations)

This week let’s take the opportunity to consider how racism and discrimination affect many aspects of our lives including our social, civic, community and personal lives. Reflect then, on the impact of racism on the health and wellbeing of some of our most marginal community members. Do you want to make a difference? Together we can improve the health of diverse communities, enhance our practice and change systems: Reach out to me and we can collaborate, cocreate and innovate for change.