Race Relations Day is celebrated March 21 each year – it is the day the United Nations mark as the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination, and is also recognised by the New Zealand Human Rights Commission. This year’s Race Relations Day Theme is ‘Mō Tātou Katoa’, which translates to ‘for all of us’. It has been inspired by the quote from Te Puea Herangi, CBE – “Mehemea ka moemoeā ahau, ko ahau anake. Mehemea ka moemoeā tātou, ka taea e tatou”. If I am to dream, I dream alone. If we all dream together then we shall achieve.”
Historically, the day of March 21 marks the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination which is observed globally to remember the 1960 Sharpeville Massacre, where 69 Black South African citizens were shot to death by their own police for protesting against racial apartheid laws. The day has been dedicated by the United Nations to the achievement of the goals of the Convention for the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination.
This year, the local Race Relations Day event will be held on the evening of Wednesday 18 March* at Forum North, and is a free public event featuring three invited guest speakers (Maryam Ghouzivand, Hori Temoanaroa Parata, and Tim McCreanor). Come along, listen to others’ experiences, and build connections with each other.
*Please note, this event has been postponed until later in the year.