In 1981, the United Nations (UN) declared the first International Day of Peace. Intended to promote peace, fairness, and equality, the UN invites people and countries from all over the world to engage in a Culture of Peace. In 2001, it was also unanimously declared a day of non-violence and cease-fire.
They consider the day an opportunity to consider the pressing social, political, economic, and humanitarian issues from around the globe, with this year’s theme being “End Racism. Build Peace.”
“We can support movements for equality and human rights everywhere. We can speak out against hate speech – both offline and online,” stated the UN on their official website.
They also noted the rise in hate crimes and discrimination against racial minorities in the last few years and consider the International Day of Peace as an opportunity to fight against it in communities across the world.
“Overall progress has been made. However, in the past few years, we’ve regressed in terms of applying laws equally to everyone,” said Dionne Whitby, a social studies teacher at MLEC.
Ms. Whitby believes that it’s necessary for students to have honest discussions about racism. Junior Yerliza Valenzuela agrees and feels that the conversation around race has improved.
“I do think that there are more open discussions about it and that they should be approached with an open mind or we may just stay stuck in the same position or even regress back instead of moving forward,” said Yerliza.
While there are several ways people can contribute to the cause, Ms. Whitby believes that it starts in the classroom.
“It’s not just one day, it’s a year-long discussion- a year-long awareness that has to be infused in practically every lesson,” said Ms. Whitby. “We have to learn from the past in order to provide a better future for human beings.”
