This week in New York City, Racial Justice NOW! / West Dayton Youth Task Force Executive Director, H.A. Jabar attended a meeting with Tendayi Achiume, United Nations Special Rapporteur on Racism, Racial Discrimination, Xenophobia and Related Intolerance. The meeting was initiated by the UN Rapporteur and was about getting youth voice included is discussions on racism and beyond. RJN/WDYTF was there to represent parent organizing and youth organizing efforts in Ohio, as members of the Dignity in Schools Campaign.
The meeting was a brief two hours and brought together a small group of funders , youth organizations, and others. The conversation revolved around the work of each organization, their involvement with race and equity, and also their ties to other international or transnational organizations. RJN! and the WDYTF was pleased to share it’s participation in International Youth Day for the last few years, the support of N’COBRA ( National Coalitions of Black for Reparations in America) , work with the Ethiopian Work Federation, and supporting youth to attend the yearly United Nations Youth Assembly.
Among other ideas shared, the main takeaways were:
- In March there is a national day against racism that we should all participate in and possibly collaborate with the Rapporteur on.
- We recommended she visit our Education justice partners in Mississippi.
- The Rapporteur is a part time sparsely funded position. She was up front and clear on her limitations and powers. She is able to possibly visit locales with permission, write honest reports , and give out communications on her travels.
