Race Unity Day another chance to show we care
Now is the time to show strength in our communities and not to become individuals and not to leave others out. To become a strong community by showing each other love, sympathy, empathy and compassion.
We should show that we are not weak and that we are strong together as one human race.
We are all equals and no-one should feel this pain, this burden, this lack of safety within this world.
We should be showing love, not hate, to anyone regardless of who they are. We should not tolerate such discriminatory behaviour within our society, as it is not the act of a human being.
And, we should stand up and speak up to any act that discriminates against any person regardless of their colour or their choice of faith. Give nothing to racism.
To the multicultural family and friends, especially to our Muslim community, there are absolutely no words to express and comfort how much sadness and sorrow we are all feeling right now.
We are all shocked by what has happened at the Christchurch mosques.
Yesterday’s vigil in Invercargill showed that our community does care.
On March 23 at 10am, at the ILT Stadium Southland, we are going to celebrate the Race Unity Day.
It’s a celebration to embrace cultural diversity in Southland, a day which other regions have already celebrated and a few postponed after the tragedy in Christchurch on Friday.
Please come and celebrate with us on Saturday to embrace the richness of our cultural diversity here in Southland.
I encourage our community to be vigilant, safe and always help each whenever we can to have a peaceful community.
Lastly, we want to convey our condolences to all the victims who faced this tragedy.
Give nothing to racism.