Calgary’s Anti-Racism Action Committee has its work cut out for them as they strive to combat racism and bring communities together during the COVID-19 pandemic – especially after the recent anti-Muslim incident at Prince’s Island Park, and a plethora of similar ordeals in Edmonton..The 11-member committee seeks to identify systemic barriers to city programs and services, including language barriers, ways to address structural racism and develop a community-based strategy while the City of Calgary develops its anti-racism strategy..The Calgary Police Service followed suit with a 15-member committee of its own last month..Red FM host and community organizer Rishi Nagar is on both boards and hopes to bring change with his understanding of human and civil rights..In an email with the Western Standard, Nagar spoke to his passion for social justice and his belief in a better city and province..“When I moved to (northeast) Calgary in February 2013, I met many people from diverse cultural backgrounds who felt alienated by the discrimination they faced. After years of mounting concerns, I thought to myself: Enough is Enough,” said Nagar. .He brought up the recent anti-Muslim attack at Prince’s Island Park as an example where anti-racism education and advocacy are needed..“It was heart-wrenching,” he said of the attack on a 16-year-old, hijab-wearing Muslim woman. .“I was disgusted by the horrific attack that took place in our city, and that too on the International Day for the Elimination of the Racial Discrimination. Such heinous acts of crime and hate are the principal reason for having anti-racism policies and education.”.“When will we learn we are all children of God!”.“We need to educate our children and those ignorant adults among us that racism is not human. It is a devilish mindset that pushes away from a path of love, unity, and togetherness as Albertans.”.On the committee’s progress to date, he said it is the beginning of the journey. Still, he remains confident the team will bring forward a firm policy to combat racism and discrimination..“The systemic racism may take some time to go, but this committee’s efforts will undoubtedly uproot it,” he said..“As a broadcaster and a visible minority, I will work with my team for social justice. It doesn’t matter what people wear, how they look, or how well they speak English. That doesn’t make them any less of a human or any less deserving of human dignity..“My lived experience with racism will be a tool to end it because in times of stress, shock and crisis, people have displayed resilience and unity.”.He said he considers most people to be open-minded enough to find solutions to present-day challenges. .Dhaliwal is a Western Standard reporter based in Edmonton
Calgary’s Anti-Racism Action Committee has its work cut out for them as they strive to combat racism and bring communities together during the COVID-19 pandemic – especially after the recent anti-Muslim incident at Prince’s Island Park, and a plethora of similar ordeals in Edmonton..The 11-member committee seeks to identify systemic barriers to city programs and services, including language barriers, ways to address structural racism and develop a community-based strategy while the City of Calgary develops its anti-racism strategy..The Calgary Police Service followed suit with a 15-member committee of its own last month..Red FM host and community organizer Rishi Nagar is on both boards and hopes to bring change with his understanding of human and civil rights..In an email with the Western Standard, Nagar spoke to his passion for social justice and his belief in a better city and province..“When I moved to (northeast) Calgary in February 2013, I met many people from diverse cultural backgrounds who felt alienated by the discrimination they faced. After years of mounting concerns, I thought to myself: Enough is Enough,” said Nagar. .He brought up the recent anti-Muslim attack at Prince’s Island Park as an example where anti-racism education and advocacy are needed..“It was heart-wrenching,” he said of the attack on a 16-year-old, hijab-wearing Muslim woman. .“I was disgusted by the horrific attack that took place in our city, and that too on the International Day for the Elimination of the Racial Discrimination. Such heinous acts of crime and hate are the principal reason for having anti-racism policies and education.”.“When will we learn we are all children of God!”.“We need to educate our children and those ignorant adults among us that racism is not human. It is a devilish mindset that pushes away from a path of love, unity, and togetherness as Albertans.”.On the committee’s progress to date, he said it is the beginning of the journey. Still, he remains confident the team will bring forward a firm policy to combat racism and discrimination..“The systemic racism may take some time to go, but this committee’s efforts will undoubtedly uproot it,” he said..“As a broadcaster and a visible minority, I will work with my team for social justice. It doesn’t matter what people wear, how they look, or how well they speak English. That doesn’t make them any less of a human or any less deserving of human dignity..“My lived experience with racism will be a tool to end it because in times of stress, shock and crisis, people have displayed resilience and unity.”.He said he considers most people to be open-minded enough to find solutions to present-day challenges. .Dhaliwal is a Western Standard reporter based in Edmonton
