ELIMINATION OF RACIAL DISCRIMINATION
Spring Free from Racism celebrates 20th anniversary
This year is a year of celebration for Spring Free From Racism and the Saskatchewan Association on Human Rights.
Spring Free from Racism celebrates their 20th anniversary with a fun-filled Family Day on March 24, 2019 at the Italian Club starting at 11 a.m. and going until 6:30 p.m. Twenty years ago the Family Day began at a smaller recreation room and we had about 150 people attend the day which showcased a few entertainment acts from cultures, some talks on racism and five or six displays and food booths.
Over the 20 years we have reached our capacity with hundreds of performers, 16 food booths, 16 display and craft booths, and over 5,000 people attending. We have had representation of every culture in Regina and area and with the newcomers that have been coming from abroad from many new countries it is a day of sharing traditions, food, music, and even language. From serving food from Ukraine, First Nations, Germany, etc., we are now able to taste food from Syria, Turkey, Ethiopia, and more.
We celebrate this event to recognize International day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination on March 21. This day is important in history, but this recognition needs to be happening all year round. We need to move from images of historical racism that spring to mind – such as slavery in the United States, apartheid in South Africa or the Holocaust in Europe – to current images of racism – what is happening on the streets of Regina with racial gang related crimes, events or simply what is happening in our education, justice, media, immigration, and employment systems. This includes all forms of hate activities, government policies, or even equal rights in political activity.
Each and every year I am asked, if there is still Racism in Regina. As an activist in Human Rights for over 40 years I have seen many different forms of racism and discrimination. It has taken on many different faces. SFFR believes that by bringing all cultures together in celebration and fun it is easier to recognize the creativity of our diversity.
The 2019 program is larger and represents many different performances from various cultures and of various sizes – from large groups to solo performances. You can tap your toes to a fiddle or an Irish jig, dance to a polka, be entertained by a Lion dance and many other displays of multicultural talent. While enjoying the entertainment, you can sample food from around the world with our largest ever selection of different cuisines, or visit the displays and craft booths.
We believe Saskatchewan needs to be dedicated to bringing about a more harmonious province which acknowledges its racial past, recognizes the pervasiveness of racism today, and is committed to a future in which all Saskatchewan people are treated equally and fairly. We see no racism in the room that day, only everyone enjoying bringing their families together.
This year we have a separate room with clowns, face painting, making flags of different countries, photos, cosmic characters, and more.
Come out and celebrate 20 years of Spring Free From Racism. The Family Day celebrations takes place at the G. Marconi Italian Club of Regina at 2148 Connaught Street, March 24. Admission is free. For more information about this year’s event contact barbadedi@hotmail.com.
Spring Free from Racism (SFFR) and Sask Association On Human Rights (SAHR) formed one organization and this year SAHR celebrates its 50th Anniversary. The SAHR helps newcomers adjust to Canada, assists with discrimination and racism they may experience, do presentations in the school system, and conduct workshops. This year to celebrate 50 years, the SAHR will host a conference and banquet on Oct. 5, 2019. There will be workshops and quest speakers on various topics ending with an evening of entertainment and recognition.