Many significant days of commemoration came on the heels of daily protests against the violence and racism experienced by Black and Indigenous people, and members of other racialized and marginalized communities, in Canada, in the United States, and around the world.
June 19 is Juneteenth commemorating the end of slavery in the United States.
June 20 is World Refugee Day recognizing the contributions of refugees who are forced to rebuild their lives outside of their homeland.
June 21 is National Indigenous Peoples Day celebrating the rich cultural heritage of First Nations, Inuit and Métis peoples in Canada.
These days of commemoration were an opportunity to reflect on the strength and resilience of people who have been oppressed by overt and systemic racism for generations, as well as to acknowledge and lament the persistent weight of racism on these same communities.
The Durham Region Unemployed Help Centre acknowledges the ongoing work of numerous partner organizations that increase our awareness of different communities’ unique strengths and contributions, who are leaders in advocating for fairness and equality, and who champion diversity and inclusion.
We extend our commitment to work collaboratively with these organizations, recognizing that it will take the full strength of our collective efforts to bring about meaningful change for oppressed and marginalized communities.
Read the Durham Region Unemployed Help Centre’s offiicial statement “Commitment to Confronting Racism”.
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