March 21 – A Global Call to End Racism in All Forms
Looking for a quick, actionable way to observe the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination at work? This post gives you a fast, DIY DEI tip you can apply right now.
March 21 marks the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination, established by the United Nations to honor the lives lost during the 1960 Sharpeville Massacre in apartheid South Africa. Peaceful protestors were murdered for demanding the right to live free of racial oppression.
Today, this global observance calls on individuals, institutions, and governments to actively dismantle racism—not just in word, but in policy, practice, and culture. In the workplace, it’s a vital moment to assess how racial inequity persists—and commit to change. Here’s why that matters.
Why This Holiday Matters
In the Workplace, We Can Use This Day to Challenge Racism Where It’s Still Allowed to Hide
This day isn’t just about intention—it’s about impact. Here’s how it connects to DEI work:
✅ It surfaces the ways racism still lives in hiring, pay equity, leadership pipelines, and “culture fit” language.
✅ It challenges performative diversity and demands real change—not just statements.
✅ It affirms the lived experiences of racialized employees and prioritizes psychological safety.
✅ It pushes teams to see anti-racism not as optional, but essential to ethical business and leadership.
Marking this day signals your workplace is ready to move beyond denial into real accountability.
One Inclusive Celebration Idea
Try this simple, actionable activity to mark March 21 at work:
Host a “Where Racism Hides” Audit Conversation
Here’s how:
Offer a voluntary, facilitated team session to explore questions like: “What workplace practices may unintentionally uphold racial bias? ”, “Where do we still see racial gatekeeping—explicit or subtle?”, “How do we hold leadership accountable for anti-racist action?”
Use real-time polling or anonymous tools to gather insights. Provide time for small group reflection, and compile next steps into a visible equity action plan.
Frame this as part of a long-term anti-racism commitment—not a one-day fix. This opens the door to truth-telling, repair, and culture transformation.
Ready to explore more workplace-ready tips? Keep reading.
Ready for More?
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Inside, you’ll find DIY DEI guides, a full diversity calendar, and practical tools to help you build an inclusive workplace—without overwhelm.
Pause & Reflect
What is one policy, assumption, or practice in your workplace that needs to be re-examined through a racial equity lens—today?
