Action Week Against Racism
Reflecting and Acting Together
The Week of Action Against Racism and for Equal Opportunity (SACR) takes place from March 20 to 31. For its 27th edition, the initiative features numerous activities under the theme: “Resist and Unite: Rethinking Together the Society of Tomorrow.”
Source: SACR
Organized in several regions of Quebec, this week aims to encourage reflection, dialogue, and engagement in order to contribute to a more just and inclusive world. Activities are offered both in person and online, allowing a broad audience to participate.
Activities to Understand and Exchange
The program includes a wide variety of meetings, conferences, and discussions. Among the topics explored this year are:
- hair discrimination (hair racism) and its social impacts;
- the history of Black Canadians, presented through the Sankofa archives and collections, with Dr. Dorothy Williams, founder of the project, and Aisha Abdunnur, volunteer and newsletter editor for the Canadian Council of Muslim Women—Quebec Chapter;
- thematic days focusing on issues such as justice, the economy, and education;
- a discussion on inclusive governance in intercultural contexts in Saint-Amable;
- a conference in Verchères on unconscious bias and the prevention of discrimination.
👉The full calendar of activities, including events organized in different regions of Quebec, is available on the SACR website.
Source: SACR
A Week Linked to an International Day
The Week of Action Against Racism takes place around March 21, proclaimed by the United Nations (UN) as the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination.
This date commemorates a tragic event that occurred on March 21, 1960, in Sharpeville, South Africa. On that day, police opened fire on a peaceful demonstration protesting apartheid pass laws imposed on Black populations. Sixty-nine people were killed, leaving a lasting mark on the global struggle against racism and discrimination.
Continuing Reflection and Engagement
In Canada and elsewhere, this week provides an opportunity to reflect on the realities experienced by Indigenous peoples, racialized communities, and religious minorities, while emphasizing the importance of building respectful and inclusive environments.
In 2025, the United Nations marked the 60th anniversary of the International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination. Through the #FightRacism campaign, the UN encourages everyone to take action:
“Learn, speak out, act!”
The Week of Action Against Racism reminds us that awareness, dialogue, and education remain essential tools for promoting equal opportunities and respect for all people.
Source: UN