International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination: History, Facts & Insights

This is an in-depth look at all the must-know facts about International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination (2024) 🗓️ that no one tells you about. International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination is observed on March 21st.

Among the information you’ll find below: the history of International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination, activities to do on and how to observe this holiday, as well as captivating facts you might want to know about International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination.

📅 What day is International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination 2024?

In 2024, International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination is on Tuesday, March 21st. It is the 3rd Tuesday in March; in 2024, it is Thursday. There are until the next observance. You also can view all the cool details and facts about March 21, 2023, that you might not be aware of.

The International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination is observed on March 21 to honor the memory of 69 peaceful protesters who were killed by the police in Sharpeville, South Africa in 1960 while they were protesting against apartheid laws. In 1966, the United Nations General Assembly designated March 21 as this international day, urging countries around the world to join forces in eradicating all forms of racial discrimination. The theme for 2021, “Youth standing up against racism,” along with the hashtag #FightRacism, encouraged individuals to raise their voices against racial prejudice, discrimination, and intolerance, and to embrace the principles of equality.

📜 International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination History

From the 1550s to the 1600s, the term “white” was mainly used to describe the privileged upper class of English women. It represented a legacy of exclusive privilege for the Anglo-Saxon population. However, by 1613, the English began using the term “white” in a competitive manner against the East Indians in their colonial ambitions.

The roots of African American slavery were firmly established when the first Africans were captured and brought to the American colonies for forced labor in the early 1600s. At that time, being enslaved was not automatically tied to African ancestry throughout one’s life. However, in 1662, Virginia introduced a law that enforced hereditary slavery, where children of enslaved individuals would also be born into slavery.

By the 19th century, racism had spread globally, with African Americans being labeled as inferior while whites were considered more intelligent and capable. This belief in racial superiority was reinforced by the noble eugenics movement of the 1990s, which aimed to promote the reproduction of “well-born” individuals while preventing those with deformities or undesirable features from reproducing. This concept of racial supremacy was also influenced by the ideology of “Aryanism,” which portrayed the Aryans as ancient Indo-European language speakers who were superior.

These ideas of racial superiority continue to persist in today’s society.

✅ International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination Facts

🔖 Mauritania World’s Last Country to Abolish Slavery
Even though slavery was officially declared illegal in 2007, it continues to persist in the country to this day.

🔖 Police Brutality Leading Cause of Death
Police brutality ranks as the sixth leading cause of death among African American men in the United States.

🔖 Haiti
In 1804, when Haiti officially breaks away from France and becomes independent, they also put an end to slavery.

👍 Why Is International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination Important

This significant day encourages us to use our collective and individual power to confront racial prejudice, deep inequalities, intolerance, and discriminatory attitudes. It is undeniably a noble cause.

We are all born equal, regardless of ethnicity, color, or skin color. We are reminded of this empowering reality, which encourages us to know and advocate for ourselves.

To develop a more powerful and unified world, human rights and human dignity must take center stage in order to foster peace. It is an essential message to spread throughout the world.

🙂 How To Observe International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination

⚡ Join the movement

⚡ Stand up against racism
Racism exists in all corners of society, so it’s not enough to just oppose it silently. It’s important to actively speak out against it and get involved in the fight against racism. By reporting incidents to the relevant authorities, we can work together to combat and eventually overcome bigotry and racism.

⚡ Lead by example
There are activities all around you that are propelling the equal rights movement. Volunteer your support for causes like #BlackLivesMatter. Whether it’s on social media with the hashtags # StopRacism and # InternationalDayfortheEliminationofRacialDiscrimination, or in person at events or on the streets.

📅 When is International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination?

See all 🔗 March holidays, including 🔗 Cause and other 🔗 Civic holidays.

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