Black Woman: A Double Edge Sword

Yesterday was the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination.  On 21 March 1960 police opened fire on demonstrators marching peacefully against apartheid “pass laws” in Sharpeville, South Africa. The “pass laws” were designed to segregate  South Africa’s population by restricting the movement of non-white citizens.  Six years later, in 1966, in recognition of this event and acts of discrimination the world over, the UN General Assembly proclaimed 21 March as the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination.
Significant strides have taken place since 1960 to reduce racial discrimination; apartheid has fallen, racist laws and practices have been abolished in many countries and the International Convention on Elimination of Racial Discrimination is nearing universal ratification. But despite these advancements individuals and communities continue to suffer from racism.
In the United States African American women endure “double discrimination.” They are both black and women. This makes them particularly susceptible to poverty, poor health and low education.
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