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Photo courtesy City of Richmond
Anti-Racism Initiatives
Published 10:28 PDT, Fri June 25, 2021
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Richmond has a significant immigrant population with over 60 per cent born outside Canada, making it one of the country’s most culturally diverse cities. Racism, violence, inequality and exclusion are always issues of concern affecting all aspects of communities, especially one as unique as ours.
On May 25, 2020, City Council adopted a statement against racism and violence:
“In Richmond, we are a community that celebrates a rich history of culture, diversity and heritage linked to the arrival and influence of immigrants that began over a century ago. The city of Richmond does not and never will condone or tolerate racist behaviour in any form. Such attitudes and actions do not reflect our community’s cultural diversity or the spirit of inclusion that we are proud of. Now, more than ever, we must stand together and be true to our shared values of diversity, inclusion and respect. Racial and discriminatory responses and actions have no place in Richmond. They have no place in our society.”
The City has established various plans to reduce barriers and provide programs and services that meet the needs of our community and celebrate Richmond’s diverse cultures. Our Cultural Harmony Plan (2019-2029) contains many ongoing initiatives to advance anti-racism and foster cultural harmony. Some other examples include:
• The Arts Strategy, adopted in 2019, serves as a guide to promoting inclusivity and diversity in the Arts by encouraging and increasing programming involving work by First Nations artists.
• The Richmond RCMP “Hate has no place” poster campaign to combat hate and racism, launched in 2020 and recently updated,
• Proactive RCMP programs such as diversity training that enhance their ability to foster public trust and build positive community relations.
Staff and Council work with many community groups supporting a local approach to counter racism and hate activity. Richmond is part of the Organizing Against Racism & Hate Network (OARH), which supports a coordinated approach to countering racism and hate activity.
Many events held annually celebrate Richmond’s diverse cultures and foster intercultural understanding through dialogue, storytelling and sharing of art, food, and music. They include Black History Month, National Indigenous Peoples Day, Ramadan, International Holocaust Day, Asian Heritage Month, Pride Week, Erase Bullying Day, Doors Open Richmond, United Nations World Interfaith Harmony Week, and Elimination of Racial Discrimination Week.
An annual City Diversity Symposium also provides municipal, association and society staff skills-based training in intercultural competency and anti-racism.
The City of Richmond is committed to diversity, equity and inclusion, and to advancing ongoing action initiatives to combat racism and hate in our community.
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