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International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination

As some of you may know, The United Nations International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination Breakfast was held recently on March 23 at the Best Western Nor’Wester. This 5th Annual Celebration focused its diversity topics around 2011 being the International Year of Youth.  We at TBI had the pleasure of attending this fine event and to be part of a grassroots movement to celebrate the community’s effort in eliminating racial discrimination. As much as we must celebrate the steps that we have taken as a community to eliminate discrimination, we also have a long road ahead, and this sentiment was echoed by all presenters. It is not an occasion to rest on our laurels, but a time to blaze a trail towards a future of inclusion and equality.

The attendees of this event were treated by great presenters including: Mayor Keith Hobbs, Diversity Thunder Bay Representative Rebecca Johnson, Student Union of Confederation College Representative Thomas Russell, the Sir Winston Churchill Gay Straight Alliance, and Co-President of the Regional Multicultural Youth Council Gurleen Chahal.  The summit concluded with key note speaker, Jessica Yee, an awarded and acclaimed anti-discrimination activist that offered her unique and frank style to the morning’s discussion. Her presentation entitled Racism: The Role of YOUth in Creating Change brought forth her message of accountability, healing, and progression resonated throughout the crowd of over 300 people. Many of her points, although controversial, we’re met with great applause. It’s apparent that she stands up for her beliefs without apology, nor should she. The combination of her in-your-face style, stubbornness, and intensity shed some light on the brutal facts that discrimination happens on a daily basis, and it is up to YOU to be always vigilant.

Keith Anderson is an Insurance Advisor – Personal Sales at Thunder Bay Insurance.