Did You Know?

International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination

International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination is a reminder to reflect on the racial-based injustices and prejudices that take place every day.  

WorldStrides is determined to do our part to educate all our participants on the many underrepresented groups that have been denied a voice in the history and decisions of the world. In our programs, we work hard to inspire our participants to ponder diverse perspectives, relate them with their previous understandings, and apply what they have learned into their lives and their communities. 

Despite various media and political attempts to portray racial discrimination-based injustices as something of the past, it is important to recognize that these injustices and prejudices continue. The consequence of this not only impacts communities and individuals today, but future generations as well.

Racial bias and discrimination manifest itself in a wide array of spaces and communities, to include: 

• Systematic/institutional racism- formal/informal policies and practices that exist throughout a society, organization, or government that result in support of advantages to one group/race and the continued unfair and/or harmful treatment of others based on race 

• Racialization and racialized communities- ascribing ethnic or racial identities to a relationship or social practice that a group did not identify themselves with  

• Exclusion and inclusion- limiting or providing access to resources, services, and opportunities to historically underrepresented groups based on their race 

It is also important to recognize the differing experiences of historically underrepresented groups, religious minorities, Indigenous Peoples, and individuals with intersecting identities.  

WorldStrides strives to continuously update the content of our tours to emphasize intersectionality and underrepresented groups. We think beyond the surface level and recognize that seemingly good events can have negative impacts for others and ask, why is that? We prioritize creating life changing moments for all participants.

As we reaffirm our commitment to end racial discrimination in all spaces, we can move forward with a deeper conviction towards a more equitable future.