Brighton's Royal Pavilion lit up to support anti-racism day

Along with Brighton Town Hall and the Mazda Fountain in Victoria Gardens, the Brighton landmark demonstrated its support for the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination, which takes place tomorrow.

Pictures from last night show the Pavilion, built in 1823, being illuminated by purple light.

Credit: Brighton and Hove Stand Up To Racism

The International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination takes place every year on March 21, commemorating the day in 1960 that police in Sharpeville in South Africa opened fire on a peaceful protest against the discriminatory policy of apartheid, killing 69 people.

The theme of this year’s International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination is ‘voices for action against racism’. 

Councillor Steph Powell, who co-chairs Brighton and Hove City Council’s tourism, equalities, communities and culture committee, said: “We’re proud to support the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination and this year’s the theme of voices for action against racism.

“Our pledge to become an anti-racist council means we are committed to using our resources and changing what we do to actively dismantle racist structures and challenge racial inequality.  

“We join the call to encourage people everywhere to strengthen their voices against racism, to mobilise against all forms of racial discrimination and injustice, and to ensure a safe environment for those who speak up. 

“We’re proud of our status as a City of Sanctuary, building a culture of hospitality and welcome for refugees including those seeking sanctuary from war and persecution.  

“There is still a long way to go but we are fully committed to continuing this action and working with others to become an anti-racist city.

“We owe it to our current and future generations of young people to do everything in our power to become truly anti-racist and tackle racial discrimination wherever it exists.”