Understand why March 21st is International Day Against Racial Discrimination

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In Brazil, the International Day of Struggle for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination, celebrated on March 21, has significant importance.

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This date was proclaimed in 1966 by the United Nations (UN) in memory of the Sharpeville Massacre, which occurred in South Africa in 1960. During the tragedy, a peaceful demonstration against the apartheid pass laws resulted in the death of 69 people and injuries to another 180, the majority of whom were black.

In the same year, more than 20 thousand people, from different black African communities, marched in protest against the Tenure Law, created by the National Party, as a tool to fight racism during Apartheid.

In proclaiming the day, the UN General Assembly called on the international community to intensify its efforts to eliminate all forms of racial discrimination. In the current context, several global initiatives are committed to combating racism, some of which include:

United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC): The United Nations Human Rights Council is a global initiative that promotes and protects human rights around the world, including combating racial discrimination through resolutions, reports and direct action.

Black Lives Matter (BLM): Originating in the United States in response to police violence and systemic discrimination against black people and people of color, BLM has organized protests, awareness campaigns, and advocacy around the world to combat racial injustice.

The International Coalition of Sites of Conscience (ICSC): This global coalition brings together historic sites, museums and organizations dedicated to preserving the memory of past injustices such as slavery and apartheid. Their work aims to educate the public about these events and promote reconciliation and social justice.

Southern Poverty Law Center (SPLC): Based in the United States, this law center aims to combat extremism, hatred and discrimination, including racial discrimination. They provide educational resources, litigate discrimination cases, and monitor extremist groups around the world.

European Network Against Racism (ENAR): This network is a coalition of anti-racism organizations across Europe. They work to promote racial equality, monitor incidents of racism and discrimination, and advocate for anti-discrimination policies and laws at national and European Union levels.

These global initiatives play a crucial role in raising awareness, advocacy and direct action to address the problem of racial discrimination around the world, contributing to the construction of fairer and more equal societies.

However, it was only in 2023 that any action resulting from discrimination or prejudice based on race, color, ethnicity, religion or national origin was declared a crime in Brazil, with the institution of Law 7,716.

On January 5, 2023, President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva signed Law No. 14,519/2023, which establishes the National Day of Traditions of African Roots and Candomblé Nations, to be celebrated annually on March 21. The Law was signed jointly by the Ministers of Culture, Margareth Menezes, and Racial Equality, Anielle Franco.

The traditions of African origins gave rise to a variety of sacred manifestations in Brazil. In addition to the best known, such as Candomblé and Umbanda, there are followers of other traditions, such as Jarê and Terecô in Pernambuco, Batuque in Rio Grande do Sul and Tambor de Mina, a variation of Candomblé, in Maranhão.

These beliefs are part of a history of spiritual resistance among enslaved African people in Brazil. Therefore, even though some traditions emerged in a unique way, religion continues to rescue the ancient African cultural and ancestral heritage that was brought to the country during the period of slavery.

Persecuted and discriminated against, Candomblé practitioners used religious syncretism to keep their traditions alive. African (black) orixás were associated with saints of the Catholic Church (white).

According to a survey by the startup JusRacial, in 2023 there were 176 thousand cases of racism being processed in the country’s courts, and a third of them (33%) involved religious intolerance.

According to Intelligence in Research and Strategic Consulting (IPEC), more than half (51%) of the Brazilian population has witnessed some situation of racism. Also according to the survey, 81% of Brazilians believe that Brazil is a racist country. Data from the Palmares Cultural Foundation also indicate that the black population is the biggest victim of homicides, representing 77.9% of cases.

Just like every social movement, that of black people has its agendas and defends them. Even today, the fight against racism is a worldwide campaign that aims to seek racial equality and justice for these people who throughout history have resisted and fought for their space in society.