Diversity and Inclusion

Fostering change: MOSAIC’s commitment to anti-racism and equality

March 21, 2024

By: Comfort Fadugba, Manager, MOSAIC Centre for Diversity  (anti-racism)

March 21, the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination, serves as a poignant reminder of the ongoing battle against systemic racism, rooted in the tragic events of Sharpeville, South Africa, in 1960. This day prompts us to reflect on the progress made and the obstacles that still exist in our collective pursuit of equality and justice.

This year, the focus of the International Day on “A Decade of Recognition, Justice, and Development: Implementation of the International Decade for People of African Descent” closely aligns with MOSAIC’s mission. It signifies a ten-year commitment to acknowledging the contributions and struggles of individuals of African descent, advocating for justice and equality, and supporting their development. It calls for solidarity with marginalized communities and urges us to dismantle the entrenched barriers of systemic racism that persist in society.

At MOSAIC, our commitment extends beyond our office walls. We recognize the importance of addressing racism both externally in the communities we serve and internally within our organization. We are dedicated to fostering a workplace that values diversity, equity, and inclusion, where each individual is respected and celebrated for their unique identity. Through ongoing anti-racism training and policy evaluations, we actively work to eliminate discrimination and bias within our ranks, setting a standard for others to follow.

We take proactive steps to lead discussions and initiatives provincially to address anti-racism and advocate for equality throughout British Columbia. By sharing our knowledge, resources, and best practices, we encourage others to join us in the fight against racism and contribute to creating a more inclusive and equitable society for all.

We have been deeply engaged in pivotal discussions and initiatives, such as The Policing and Public Safety Modernization Initiative. Our involvement in this initiative presents a historic opportunity to shape the future of policing in British Columbia by collaborating with community-based organizations, advocacy groups, and stakeholders to review the policing landscape comprehensively. The objective is to formulate policy recommendations that respond to the diverse needs of all communities and enhance public trust in law enforcement, particularly among marginalized groups.

Additionally, we spearheaded engagement sessions for the Anti-Racism Legislation Community Engagement, collecting responses from various segments of the racialized newcomer community with an intersectional approach. We ensured diverse voices were heard, provided interpretation and translation support, and considered cultural factors to create an inclusive environment for participation.

As part of the Resilience BC Anti-Racism Network, MOSAIC convenes and coordinates local networks in communities where our services are delivered to combat racism and hate through various strategies:

  1.  Response Protocol: Mobilizing community responses to instances of racism and hate in a collaborative manner, establishing a response protocol to address reported hate crimes and incidents of hate.
  2.  HUB Activities: Engaging in network activities hosted by the Resilience BC Hub to strengthen anti-racism efforts at a provincial level.
  3.  Community Programming: Developing annual community programs to address local instances of racism and hate through workshops, training sessions, and awareness-raising events in partnership with the Hub.

Furthermore, MOSAIC plays a crucial role in providing anti-racism training for Surrey Schools, contributing to the education and support of students and educators in combating racism within educational settings. Through these initiatives, MOSAIC underscores its commitment to fostering an inclusive, equitable, and welcoming environment for all individuals, irrespective of their background or identity.

As we mark the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination, let us reaffirm our commitment to challenging systemic racism, promoting diversity, and cultivating a society where everyone feels safe, respected, and valued. Together, through advocacy, education, and collaboration, we can advance towards a future free from discrimination and filled with opportunities for all.

 

Signed,

MOSAIC Centre for Diversity