[Photograph of Penny Priddy with a group of individuals at the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination event in Surrey]

Photograph of Penny Priddy with a group of unidentified individuals at the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination event, called Eracism, held in Surrey, British Columbia (B.C.).

Penny Priddy is a Canadian politician who served as a Member of the Legislative Assembly for Surrey-Newton from 1991 to 2001. She held several ministerial roles, including Minister of Women's Equality, Minister of Health, and Minister of Education. A trained nurse, she worked extensively in community services, supporting children, families, and people with disabilities. Priddy was also active in the Surrey School Board and various community organizations.

The International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination is guided by the United Nations International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination and recognizes that the injustices and prejudices fueled by racial discrimination take place every day. Observed annually on March 21, it commemorates the day police in Sharpeville, South Africa, opened fire and killed 69 people at a peaceful demonstration against apartheid "pass laws" in 1960. This day serves as a call to action for individuals, organizations, and all levels of government to actively work to eliminate all forms of racial discrimination, injustice, systemic racism and hate.