Race Relations day is on March 21st and is known around the world as the International Day for the elimination of racial discrimination. The date was chosen as it is the anniversary of the 1960 Sharpeville massacre in South Africa. That day Police opened fire on people protesting the apartheid laws, killing 69 people and wounding many more.
In 1965 the United Nations General Assembly adopted the International Convention for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination. You can find more information through International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination | United Nations
People in Aotearoa come together for Race Relations Day for events around this time to learn from the past, learn from each other and celebrate our nations ethnic diversity.
This year we are honouring Race Relations Day on the 4th of April with an Open Mic Poetry Night where people can unite through voices, poems and kai. Feel free to bring a favourite poem to share, all languages are encouraged. The night will finish with a potluck style kai, please bring a dish to share.
