Remembering the Past and Working Towards a Discrimination-Free Future

Today is the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination, aka “End Racism Day.”

Every March 21^st people around the world remember 69 people who were killed in 1960 during a peaceful demonstration in Sharpeville, South Africa. The demostration was against apartheid’s “pass laws” that restricted the movement of Africans.

Guided by the International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination, it is a day for all of us to recognize that the injustices and prejudices fueled by racial discrimination take place every day.  Today is special because 2023 is the 75^th anniversary of the adoption of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR).

The Government of British Columbia first proclaimed March 21 as the Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination in 1989. This affirmed their commitment to a discrimination-free province.

Much progress has been made since then 1960s. However, Indigenous peoples, and racialized and religious minority communities in Canada—including in housing co-ops—continue to face racism and discrimination every day. Today serves as a call to action for us to re-commit our efforts to ensure all people are respected and have equal access and opportunity to be safe and successful.

Learn more about the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination.

Our Commitment to Addressing Racial Discrimination

CHF BC is dedicated to the principles of anti-racism. Here is a brief video of our CEO, Thom Armstrong, discussing the work we have ahead of us:

Our commitment is reflected in this important priority in our strategic vision to inspire housing co-ops to be communities that promote and embody equitable access, opportunity, respect, and a sense of belonging for everyone.

• Help housing co-ops identify and work to remove barriers to equity and inclusion.
• Model best practices to promote equity and inclusion; and to increase diversity among CHF BC directors, staff, workshop leaders, contractors, and consultants.
• Refresh our education program, management services and development practices to reflect this strategic priority.

To achieve this priority, our board and management committed to the following strategies:

We are collecting resources and links to help us all work towards eliminating racial discrimination in your co-ops and your broader community. You can also review our past anti-racism posts.