Unity inspired for Race Relations Day
Some of the participants after the Holi ritual - Nikita, Zach and Jacqueline.
Holi is an ancient Hindu spring festival that celebrates the victory of good over evil and encourages people to meet each other in a joyous and compassionate way.
“Schools are separated in to colours through houses, but at the end of the day together we are one, brought together by our differences. So I believe colour should not divide us as a society but unite us. We are all people, we are all different, we come in all colours, shapes and sizes but we are still people. We are all the same, we may look or sound different or even speak a different language, but we all know how to smile and be kind.”
This is something WHS student Nikita Moorhouse wrote when inspired by the Race Unity Day event held at Majestic Square March 16. She says, “It was an amazing event and I hope to see more like it. I am so glad we have people in our community who will make things like today happen.”
As the event organisers we were deeply appreciative of everyone, young and old, who came together. The day took on a solemnity appropriate to the events of Friday in Christchurch, however the underlying content, the need for a day to reflect and inspire inclusivity and valuing our diversity did not change. From its inception in November last year to its manifestation on Saturday, March 16 this was about solidarity.
The greatest hope on the day came from our youth. Zach Anderson, a member of our WDC Youth Committee, spoke eloquently about his Indonesian identity in context to his New Zealand identity supported by his WDC Youth Committee peer, Harris Khan. The Aotea Empire dance crew impressed the crowd with their vibrancy and serious skills. Dozens of children and their adults put chalk to pavement with symbols of diversity, love and hope. Cards and letters were written to be collectively sent to the affected Christchurch community.
If we follow the example of our worldly youth the solutions are in our hands and our futures are assured of empathy and kindness.
River City Press 21/3/19
21/3/19