About the Day
The International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination (IDERD) is observed globally on 21 March, commemorating the tragic events of 1960 in Sharpeville, South Africa, where peaceful protestors against Apartheid laws were killed. The United Nations established this day in 1965 to reaffirm the commitment to eradicate racism worldwide.
Inner West Council marks this day annually to:
• Raise awareness about racism and its harmful impacts on health and wellbeing.
• Encourage honest and open conversations about racial discrimination.
• Promote respect, inclusion, and celebration of cultural diversity.
This commitment was reinforced by Council’s Anti-Racism Strategy and initiatives like the Racism Not Welcome street sign campaign, now adopted by Councils across Australia.
Past programs
- 4 April: Our Stories, Our Dignity
- 24 April: Racial discrimination: Know your rights
- 2 May: Racial discrimination: Know your rights
- 22 May: Combat Racism and Promote Social Inclusion
- 29 May: Combat Racism and Promote Social Inclusion (part 2)
- 30 May: Racial discrimination: Know your rights
- 2 June: Racial discrimination: Know your rights
- 21 March: We all Smile in the Same Language!
- 27 March: Gaysian Stories - Worship Queer Collective
The Power of Conversation: Stories of Racism from the Community
Gloria Tabi is a Master of Research Student specialising in Social Analysis on Race, Black Identity, Anti-racism within Humanities, Communications and Arts. As a Black African-Australian woman, Gloria brings well-grounded knowledge and experience of the impacts presented in race and gender. Gloria lives, works and podcasts from Sydney, New South Wales, Australia and is available to travel for speaking engagements.
Lizzie Jarrett is a sovereign woman from the Gumbaynggirr, Bundjalung, Dunghutti clans and is a direct descendant of the original Stolen Generations. Lizzie is a First Nations advocate/activist assisting with a high volume of casework involving people who have suffered discrimination and violence at the hands of government agencies or others and are seeking legal remedy.
Justo was born in Argentina and has been in Australia since 1979. He is a musician and visual artist. He has been a producer at SBS Radio, composer, youth worker, NSW Multicultural Music Coordinator, a father and even a Wharfie in Tierra de Fuego in Argentina.
Dok Mamer was born in South Sudan, Africa and came to Australia when he was about 10 years old. He loves sports and started playing basketball when he came to Australia. He now plays professionally in and out of the country. He loves social media and uses the platform to reach the youth and community to get them involved in sports programs.
Jahin was born in Bangladesh, raised in Australia, migrated here in 2002. He is most passionate about empowering young people of colour, healthcare, and leadership. He has had the opportunity to provide advice to several youth-led and multicultural organisations all over Australia. He was recently he named Young Ambassador at UNICEF for 2022. He loves sports, poetry, and public speaking and is committed to society through his work in advocacy and empowering youth voices.
Cartin is Australian-born Chinese. She is really passionate about intersectionality and how that lens can be applied to feminist theories throughout history. She is a Year 12 IB student who loves studying history, English and geography. In her spare time she loves playing guitar. She likes to share herself with the community by making videos discussing contemporary issues about our environment and society and sharing them on her website, TeenMeets.