A Richmond-based anti-racism organization will collaborate with local RCMP to raise awareness about racism in the New Year.
Stop Racism Alliance launched Oct. 31 after several racist rants were caught on video and circulated widely on social media, including one that took place in a Richmond parking lot in August.
Richmond RCMP launched an investigation into the August incident, but no charges were laid, which many people questioned.
The alliance was swift to react late last week when Richmond auction house came under fire for including Nazi memorabilia in an auction scheduled for Saturday.
On Friday, Stop Racism Alliance asked Maynards auction house in Richmond to remove the memorabilia and to “exercise greater sensitivity and respect in future auctions” – Maynards pulled the items within hours when municipal and provincial politicians as well as the Jewish community condemned the planned sale.
“Taking into consideration the crimes committed against humanity by the Nazis, the suffering of the Jewish people in the Holocaust, and the cultural diversity in Richmond, the Alliance takes the strongest position to oppose any objects and symbols related to the Nazi regime to be included in any auctions in the city,” the statement read.
On Monday, the alliance held a meeting with RCMP, which Chak Au, city councillor and a member of the group, described as a positive step to combat racial discrimination and end hate crimes.
“I am delighted to see RCMP being so supportive of the alliance and its objectives, and we look forward to working together in the future,” said Au.
“At this moment, we are talking about raising public awareness of racism and the harm it causes. We will implement open communication channels through public education forums or public surveys next year.”
Although more details are to be discussed, Au considers the meeting as an essential step in supporting victims and promoting preventive measures.
Alan Hill with Richmond Multicultural Community Services, said the group is currently in the process of developing a “Richmond community protocol,” which will provide assistance and support for victims who suffered racist attacks.
Hill added that local organizations could partner with each other to give better support to victims following hate-motivated accidents. They are calling for more varied agencies to sign up to the community protocol document at this stage.
Earlier this month, the new alliance also signed a declaration and outlined its goals, which includes encouraging the public to help monitor racist incidents and promoting multiculturalism through a series of educational activities.
