The world observes the International Day for Eliminating Racial Discrimination on 21st March every year. Each year, on this day, we notice people all around the globe raising awareness and conducting programs and campaigns that focus on a particular theme that can help counter racism in the world. An international framework has been devised, which is guided by the International Convention on Elimination of Racial Discrimination. While this Convention is now taking place on a Universal level, still, in many regions and countries, there are societies, communities, and individuals who suffer from the stigma and injustice that racism brings with itself.
Racism is a social evil that has been instigating intolerance, xenophobia, inequality, and subjugation of people of color, especially where they live as a minority. Racism has been persisting for centuries, and it’s very unfortunate that even today, in the modern era, there are still examples of racism that come to light every now and then. What’s fatal to racism is the breaking of silence. Every matter needs to be voiced for it to have a wider reach among the masses. Every matter needs to be highlighted, talked about, and discussed on various levels so it can be dealt with. If we look at the history of some organizations, we can see how they were able to make a difference for the people of color by highlighting the plight of the subjugated and undermined members of society.
If we read the book “The Black Owl of NSA,” we can grasp how empowering one small initiative can be and how large an impact it can have. Penned down by William A. Scott, a significant member of the NSA, we can see how far-reaching an impact, a thought, and a struggle can have in the longer run. This book highlights the challenges that all Black employees faced in one of America’s highest levels of government, the National Security Agency. The author enlightens the readers about the prejudiced treatment that they endured despite their dedication and tireless hours of service, all the while keeping their work life strictly confidential and less talked about (under the oath of secrecy). Not only was it physically exhausting but also mentally draining as it took a toll on their psyche because the Black employees were expected to do their best while not even getting the acknowledgment, let alone appreciation, they deserved. Their contribution to the growth of this intelligence community was met with complete disregard.
In times like such, the formation of an organization called Black Expressions (BE) became a ray of sunshine for the Black people employed at the NSA. Dating back to its initiation in 1979, the Black Expressions became a platform that eventually succeeded in changing the cultural outlook of the NSAers. In a few years, BE not only became a symbol for representing the rights of the Blacks, but it also voiced the concerns of the Indigenous, the people of color, as well as gays, lesbians, transgender, and bisexual individuals, who, as a result, were gradually being recognized and promoted to higher leadership positions in the organization.
The resounding success of an organization like Black Expressions sets an example for millions of people across the world who aim to eradicate racism that has prevailed as a deeply-rooted illness in societies. To make a difference in the world and to stand up for the voiceless, one should become united and break the silence. Racism is not only a problem of a particular group of people. It is everyone’s issue. No region has ever prospered where talent and merit are disregarded, and biasedness, inequality, and injustice have been the norm.
Racism should be fought by the white people too. It should be fought by the affluent, the influential, and the leaders. To collectively move forward in the right direction, every member of society must come together and stand against injustice.
Simultaneously, one should ensure the complete protection of people, organizations, and programs that thrive to eliminate social evils and make the world a better place. Everybody must be allowed to exercise their right to freedom of expression without having to face any kind of discrimination.
Consistent efforts in the cause of eliminating racism will certainly lead to a future that Black Expressions was able to create. Even if you succeed in eradicating racism in a particular firm, workplace, or institute, you have accomplished more than you think!
