Montreal, February 24, 2010— Justin Trudeau, MP and South African High Commissioner Abraham Nkomo will be among the many guests of honor who will attend CRARR’s interfaith event to commemorate this year’s International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination (March 21st).
On Saturday, March 20th, from 7 to 9:30 pm, CRARR will join many of its institutional and community partners such as the Institute for Research and Education on Race Relations, the Alliance of South Asian Communities, the Quebec Jewish Congress and the Japanese Canadian Cultural Center of Montreal, the Concordia Student Union and youths from many schools in Montreal, in celebrating this occasion.
This year’s March 21st also marks the 50th Anniversary of the Sharpeville Massacre, a deadly state-sponsored crackdown on anti-apartheid demonstrators in 1960 that took place in South Africa and that eventually led the United Nations to proclaim March 21st the International Day against racism.
The commemoration and celebration will be held at St. James United Church, and hosted by Rev. Arlen Bonnar. The evening will feature performances by Imani Gospel Singers, Tonal Ecstasy and Every Kid Choir. There will be special cameo appearances by some local artists.
There will also be an interfaith ceremony with representatives of different faiths as well as Aboriginal leaders; video messages from special guests, and a highlight of major civil rights achievements in the last 50 years. There will also be a celebration of South Africa’s hosting of the 2010 FIFA World Cup, which will be led by a local soccer star.
The event will also serve as a fundraiser for CRARR as it has to turn to direct public support due to cutbacks in government funding for civil rights and antiracism.
Tickets are: $10 for students and seniors; $20 for the general public and $50 for special patrons (a private reception will be held for patrons from 6:00 to 7:00 pm).
Additional details will be announced in the coming weeks.
ENZA MARTUCCELLI, B.A., B.C.L., LL.B.
Director of Community Relations
Quebec Jewish Congress, A Division of Canadian Jewish Congress
5151 Cote St. Catherine, Quebec H3W 1M6
