VICTORIA – The Province is proclaiming May 23-29, 2021, as Anti-Racism Awareness Week – a chance for British Columbians to celebrate and learn about B.C.’s diverse culture, reflect on biases and stand together against racism.
“We stand alongside every person who has faced, or continues to face, racism in our province,” said David Eby, Attorney General. “This week is a chance for all British Columbians to think about how we can be anti-racist, challenge our own biases and build a stronger province on a foundation of diversity and mutual respect.”
The dates were chosen because the anniversaries of the Komagata Maru, the murder of George Floyd and Asian Heritage Month are all this week.
During the week, the Province will work closely with community partners and Resilience BC, the provincial anti-racism network, to promote educational opportunities and highlight tools and resources that can be used by British Columbians in classrooms, workplaces and elsewhere. Opportunities include panel discussions, websites, books and documentaries to help people better understand racism, as well as how to respond to racist incidents and tackle discrimination in their communities.
On Tuesday, May 25, 2021, several community members will come together for a livestreamed panel discussion about Asian history and anti-Asian racism in B.C. as part of Asian Heritage Month. Further information on the panel discussion and other community events, as well as tools and resources, is available here: www.resiliencebc.ca
The week supports government’s commitment to combat discrimination and follows a recent anti-racism information campaign, which was part of a $2.9-million, one-time boost in anti-racism initiatives through StrongerBC: BC’s Economic Recovery Plan. This investment also tripled funding for Resilience BC and quadrupled funding for multicultural grants, which benefited more than 190 community organizations.
“We are working hard to build an anti-racist B.C., but the shocking increase in racist incidents across the province over the last year has shown there’s still so much more to do,” said Rachna Singh, Parliamentary Secretary for Anti-Racism Initiatives. “This week will help to spark much-needed conversations and bring people together at a time when so many are divided. Now more than ever, we must treat each other with dignity and respect, and unite to support everyone in B.C. facing racism.”
