What is Anti-Racism?
Anti-racism refers to a form of action against racial hatred, bias, systemic racism, and the oppression of specific groups. Anti-racism is usually structured around conscious efforts and deliberate actions to provide equal opportunities for all people on an individual and systemic level. As a philosophy, it can be engaged with by acknowledging personal privileges, confronting acts and systems of racial discrimination, and/or working to change personal racial biases.*
June 6th - 11th
Where is this Coming From?
This came about as multiple organizations met in partnership to discuss issues in our community, but not as a response to any single event or revelation. We believe that everybody deserves to live in a welcoming and respectful society and Anti-Racism Week would reflect a community expression of care and solidarity with people experiencing racism in Portage la Prairie
Why is this Important?
It is important that as a community we make it clear that we stand opposed to racism and that we are striving towards building a society where everybody can feel safe and respected. Racism is alive and well in our community and its effects are devastating for the people experiencing it. We must commit, together as a community, to actively reducing, and eventually eliminating, the negative effects that racism is having on our community
What are we Doing?
The Portage la Prairie Anti-Racism Week will take place from June 6th to June 11th, and will be capped off by a march from National Indigenous Residential School Museum of Canada to the Stride Place. We will also have a social media campaign attached to the week. We are hoping that people like you will be inspired to make their own impact as part of this week in whatever capacity fits best for you, as long as it respects the theme and intentions of the week
You could show your support by:
-
Attending the march on June 10th
-
Like and share related material on social media
-
Display an Anti-Racism Week lawn sign
-
Discuss with your friends and family why this topic is important to you (if comfortable)
-
Encourage staff (including yourself) to attend professional development on anti-racism
-
Help educate your board on why this topic is important to the community
-
Look for barriers in your own organization
-
Allow staff time off to participate in the march
-
Display lawn signs and posters
-
Like and share related materials on social media
It is important that as a community we understand the devastating effects that racism can have on people. If you feel comfortable sharing your own experiences with racism please email mystory@portagecrc.com. The stories will not contain any personal information, and nothing will be displayed publicly without your permission.
