Nipissing celebrates International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination

Today, March 21, marks the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination (IDERD). IDERD was established by the United Nations in 1966 to commemorate the Sharpeville Massacre of 1960. It is observed every March 21 to bring the world community together to increase its efforts in the elimination of all forms of racial discrimination and racism (United Nations, Resolution 2142, XX1).

Nipissing University wishes to acknowledge this important date of recognition and stands with people of all backgrounds who face discrimination based on their race. This day prompts the Nipissing community to re-establish our responsibility and commitment to end racism and racial discrimination. The work we are dedicated to doing to ensure each member of our Lakers community feels represented, welcome, valued and heard is ongoing work that happens each and every day and is the responsibility of every member of our community. Together, we must do the work to stop the stigma and injustices suffered by too many individuals.  Please join us in taking a few moments today to reflect on the significance of the day and reaffirm your commitment to ending racism in all forms.

IDERD Students Who Make a Difference Event

The 2021 theme of IDERD is ‘youth standing up against racism’. Fittingly, the local IDERD committee is  holding its annual Students Who Make a Difference event virtually on Wednesday March 24, 2021 at 1 p.m. live on YouTube here. For those unable to watch the live event on March 24, a recording of the event can be viewed on the North Bay & District Multicultural Centre (nbdmc.ca) website. 

Two Nipissing University students, Shandon Ashitei and Taijon Graham, will be recognized during the event with a Student Who Made a Difference Award for their contributions to making the community more inclusive. Shandon and Taijon are co-founders of the Nipissing University Black Association for Student Expression (NUBASE) and have been instrumental in organizing a number of important initiatives on campus including the Time to Educate video series during Black History Month in partnership with the Nipissing University Student Union, and the #NUnity campaign. The Nipissing community is proud of the contributions of both students and the difference they are making on campus and in the community.

To read more about the history of IDERD, visit: International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination | United Nations.