Celebrate diversity on Race Unity Day

Race Unity Day falls on June 8 and is an annual celebration dedicated to promoting harmony among all races. This day is a wonderful reminder that no matter what race you are, we can all co-exist happily. It encourages everyone to embrace their unique differences and adopt a respectful and inclusive society.

Race Unity Day was started in 1957 in the United States by the Bahá’i National Spiritual Assembly. This Assembly was founded in 1909 and was a nine-member council that was responsible for co-ordinating, guiding and reviving the affairs of both the local spiritual assemblies and the Bahá’i community’s individual members in the country. The Bahá’i understood that racism was a barrier to peace, so they created this day to promote racial unity.

Race Unity Day is celebrated globally. Although Bahá’i National Spiritual Assembly created the holiday, it is not a religious holiday or a Bahá’i event. The day is celebrated as a universal call to unity and is meant to recognize and appreciate everyone’s diversity, making the world a more inclusive and better place.

This year, on Race Unity Day, you can celebrate by educating yourself and others: read books and watch videos that explore different cultures and the history of race relations. You can also support diverse communities, engage in meaningful conversations surrounding race, advocate for change, and celebrate cultural diversity, attend cultural festivals or try new cuisines.

Right now, more than ever, Race Unity Day is important. Oftentimes, we believe that racial discrimination does not happen anymore because we are an “evolved society.” But that is not exactly true — racism happens every day. For centuries, racism has resulted in many violent crimes, even in places where everyone is supposed to feel safe and included, such as schools or workplaces. Race Unity Day is a chance to acknowledge all different races and identities. You can listen to stories and learn about different cultures.

Race Unity Day brings people together to celebrate the idea that humanity is one family. It invites everyone to connect across racial and cultural lines in ways that feel natural. It is a day that views diversity not as a problem to manage, but as a strength to make communities more creative and kinder.

This Race Unity Day I encourage everyone to look beyond our differences and make a small but impactful change for the community. Educate yourself about the history, listen to someone’s story, and share your own.

» Madeleine Brown is a Grade 11 student at École secondaire Neelin High School.