Drums for Diversity, Voices for Change 2013Who We Are

The March 21/Stop Racism Committee is an ad hoc group of University of Calgary volunteers composed of students, staff and faculty with a common interest in actively addressing racism and discrimination in society.

The committee's primary objectives are:

• To bring about a heightened awareness of the many ways racism is manifested in society at large and its pernicious effects on campus;
• To provide different activities to engage the various constituent groups on campus and in the larger community; and
• To support the university's goal to provide an inclusive environment for work and study which respects the dignity of all students and groups.

Why March 21?

The International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination is observed annually on March 21. On that day in 1960, police opened fire and killed 69 people and injured more than 300  at a peaceful demonstration against apartheid laws in the township of Sharpeville, South Africa. In 1966, the United Nations General Assembly proclaimed March 21 as the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination to commemorate the Sharpeville tragedy. March 21 has since served not only to remind us of the dire consequences of racism, but also to recall our obligation and determination to combat it.

"Bigotry, hatred, prejudice -- these are the ugly symptoms of a sickness humanity has always and everywhere suffered. Racism can, will and must be defeated."

Kofi Annan
Former United Nations Secretary-General