THUNDER BAY – The Regional Multicultural Youth Council (RMYC) is an inclusive network for all youths across Northwestern Ontario. In 1992, the Youth Council started making and distributing Multicultural Bows of black, red, white and yellow ribbons intertwined to symbolize the beauty of the human race united in harmony.
The Bows are one of the RMYC’s initiatives involving children and youth to engage the community at large in promoting March 21, The International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination.
March 21 marks the anniversary of the 1960 Sharpeville massacre in South Africa when peaceful demonstrators against apartheid were wounded and killed. In 1966, the United Nations declared March 21 the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination, in commemoration of this tragic event.
On December 20, 1983, the General Assembly of the UN called upon all states and organizations to participate in the Program of Action for the Second Decade to Combat Racism and Racial Discrimination.
On March 21, 1986, the Prime Minister proclaimed in the House of Commons Canada’s participation in the Second Decade and said: “Let us all work toward the day when racism and racial discrimination become history and when every Canadian can participate fully and equally in the life of our country.”
In September 1988, ministers attending a federal/provincial/territorial ministerial conference on human rights agreed to commemorate March 21 across Canada.
In 1989, the Government of Canada launched its first national March 21 campaign against racism.
Join the RMYC’s Racial Harmony Campaign and wear a multicultural bow to celebrate diversity, promote racial equality, and encourage dialogue to end all forms of discrimination. For more information call (807) 622-4666 or visit online on Facebook