Regina is a city of unmatched diversity and home to almost every culture and language. We must, howerver, continue to learn to embrace our diversity and draw strength from it. International Day For The Elimination of Racial Discrimination reminds us that we must continue to say "NO" to racism and "YES" to tolarance.

The Spring Free From Racism Committee (SFFR) supports this principle and believes fighting racial discrimination is taking action. This committee was formed in 1995. The mandate at that time was to address racial issues immigrants and visible minorities faced at work and in the school system in Regina and across Canada. The formulation was initiated by the Cultural Unit of the Police Service who contacted several organizations. Now 12 years later the committee has continued to group and expand with many representatives from organizations and interested individuals.

Although the committee emphasis is on a Family Day to promote awareness around March 21st, other activities have included a float in Buffalo Days Parade, participation in Aboriginal Day and various displays. The SFFR committee, by such events, hopes to educate and become aware of how harmful racism is and the need to foster respect, dignity, equality and justice.

If one was to reflect back on how March 21st started, one can still see parallels in our society. In 1960, 70 anti-apartheid demonstrators were killed in Sharpeville, Africa. Today, we still have wars. In 1966, the United Nations marked this tragedy by declaring March 21st An International Day For The Elimination of Racial Discrimination and we are proud Canada was one of the first to join.

In 2011 SFFR Committee presented the 7th Annual Family Day on March 18th at the Italian Club. It was the largest venue in its history with over 4000 people attending and over 40 entertainment performances were showcased and ran non-stop from 12:00 pm to 7:30 pm. Participants tasted food from around the world and visited a large array of displays or had their faces painted. With thanks to our sponsors, the event was free.

We thank those of you who came out and celebrated with your family and embraced all of our cultures with festivals, laughter and experienced the peace and freedom from racism.

Spring Free From Racism accepts charitable donations and welcomes your involvment