Youth, Elders Discuss Ways to Eliminate Racism

HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION--Youth, Elders Discuss Ways to Eliminate Racism

Pier 21 served as the backdrop for an exchange of views on the theme Racism: Past, Present and Future, today, March 21. Nearly 300 students, parents and community members attended the eighth annual Harmony Brunch hosted by Partners Against Racism to commemorate the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination.

"We all want racism to end," said Jamie Muir, minister responsible for the Human Rights Act. "Events such as the Harmony Brunch serve to remind us of the progress we have made in countering racism but that we must always be vigilant to address racism wherever it occurs and work towards its elimination."

A panel discussion featured youth and elder representatives of the Aboriginal, Jewish and African Nova Scotian communities. Jim Dewar, chair of the Human Rights Commission, also presented the Human Rights Award to the Multicultural Association of Nova Scotia's Youth Against Racism.

"Although human rights advancements extend beyond our province to national and international endeavors, the commission is particularly pleased to recognize local achievements in the field of human rights," said Mr. Dewar.

Keynote speaker Sylvia Hamilton, holder of the Nancy's Chair in Women's Studies at Mount Saint Vincent University, received a standing ovation for her presentation entitled The African Presence in Nova Scotia: The Untold Story.

Commission chief executive officer Mayann Francis noted the impact Dr. Hamilton has had on other artists. "In her films, Sylvia not only immortalizes the tremendous vitality of African Canadian culture, she also inspires others to be open to the creativity which resides within them," said Ms. Francis.

"For me, March 21st is about the ability of individuals to collectively create change and transformation," said Dr. Hamilton. "It's an opportunity to pause and to reflect, to look at where we are right now on these issues and to continue to develop the necessary long-term strategies to make the change that we desire for a more just society. But we have to think about this every day, not just March 21st."

Break out sessions in the afternoon provided an opportunity for the participants to further discuss the morning's events and to develop working plans to address problems of racism and discrimination in the communities.

Partners Against Racism (PAR) is a coalition of individuals and organizations dedicated to protecting and promoting human rights.