The fight against racism will be in the spotlight on the steps of City Hall on March 21, when the Commission for Unity and Racial Equality (CURE) along with the Premier and the Mayor of Hamilton will honour the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination.

The origins of the day began in Sharpeville, South Africa, on March 21, 1960 when South African police opened fire and killed 69 people who were protesting about having to carry passbooks at all times.

Six years after the massacre, the United Nations General Assembly called on the international community to redouble its efforts to eliminate all forms of racial discrimination and formed the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination. The lunch-hour commemoration will begin at 12.30 p.m. until 1.30 p.m. All members of the public are invited.

Mayor of Hamilton, Lawson Mapp, will welcome the crowd and Premier Alex Scott will read the International Proclamation on Racial Discrimination,

Community Affairs and Sport Minister Dale Butler will present awards for CURE?s youth creativity contest.

CURE chairman Clevelyn Crichlow will explain the origins of the International Day.

Joy Barnum of Bermuda Idol, Gita Blakeney and the Present Truth Seventh Day Adventists? Men?s Choral Group will sing.

There will be an exhibit on display called ?A stroll through Bermuda?s socio-cultural experience and commitments to race issues?.

Entries from CURE?s creativity competition, ?Racial equality, yesterday, today and tomorrow? will also be on display.

Contest participants will be invited to read, display or perform their pieces of work and a brief reception will follow the proclamation ceremony.