Being an ally

Stratford and P.E.I. Association for Newcomers hosting International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination event

The Town of Stratford and P.E.I. Association for Newcomers are calling on Islanders to be an “ally” in the struggle against racism this week.

The two groups will be joining forces to host an event Wednesday evening at Stratford Town Hall to recognize the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination.

Both the town and P.E.I. ANC have recognized the day separately for a number of years.

Mayor David Dunphy said the town was pleased to be able to partner with the P.E.I. ANC for a joint event this year with a theme of “being an ally”.

“We will provide an opportunity for families to share in learning and discussion on the topic and to create their own anti-racism pledge,” said Dunphy. “We hope attendees will leave with a better understanding of what this day means and why it is important to recognize it each year.”

The event will have a light supper as attendees arrive between 5:30 and 6 p.m., followed by interactive activities aimed at opening dialogue between families and individuals about what it means to be an ally.

Following the activity, presentations will be made to the recipients of the P.E.I. ANC’s Canada’s Youth Anti-Racism Challenge.

All are invited to attend the free event.

Craig Mackie, executive director of the P.E.I. ANC, said the theme of the overall day is “promoting tolerance, inclusion, unity and respect for diversity in the context of combatting racial discrimination.”

“This calls on us to be allies in the struggle against racism,” said Mackie. “This is at the heart of the work of the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights who created this day in 1966. P.E.I. ANC is proud to stand with the Town of Stratford to create awareness and to build strong, inclusive communities on P.E.I.”

Stratford is the only P.E.I. municipality that is a member of the Canadian Coalition of Municipalities Against Racism and Discrimination. The town has been a member of the coalition since 2007.

The P.E.I. ANC is asking Islanders to use the hashtags #PEIAgainstRacism, #StandUp4HumanRights and #IDERD to share the event and show solidarity with those oppressed by racism.