MEDIA ADVISORY

Calgary, September 22, 2021 –The GlobalFest Human Rights Forum returns, online, with “Continue the Dialogue”

When: Noon-1pm daily
Tuesday 28 September: “Community Design & Shopping Local”
Wednesday 29 September: “Community Conversations”

Where: Online registration links https://globalfest.ca/human-rights-forum/

What: GlobalFest Human Rights Forum 2021

GlobalFest continues to tackle Racism and Discrimination in Calgary

The Human Rights Forum has been offered since 2007 as part of GlobalFest’s year-round programming to promote diversity, cross cultural respect, and equality in the Calgary community.

GlobalFest’s 2021 commitment, part of the new Reaching Out Initiative, is to ‘Continue the Dialogue’. Moving from the single weeklong series of years past, to a robust offering with additional stand-alone community forums intended to explore the findings of the main event. The aim? To expand upon meaningful conversations and encourage action. GlobalFest will reach further into Calgary’s communities, build more engaged partners and find resolution.

This year’s forum programming began in June, with two more sessions taking place online this September 28 and 29.

On Tuesday September 28, guest speakers David Low of the Victoria Park Business Improvement Area, and Erin Melnychuk of Momentum are exploring “Community Design and Shopping Local”. As Alberta continues to be impacted by the pandemic, the discussion will look at how shopping local addresses many social challenges and increases value to our city’s economy.

While the media spotlight is no longer focused on the global Black Lives Matter movement, locally Canadians are still being confronted with details of the country’s problematic past, and the current realities impacting everyone in society. On Wednesday September 29, “Community Conversations” will be led by guest speakers Nellie Alcaraz and Sonia Aujla Bhullar PhD of the City of Calgary’s Anti-racism Action Committee; and Tyra Erskine of ARIE Consulting.

Join us as we talk to people in Calgary who are invested in anti-racism work to learn what is being done, what are the challenges being faced and to discuss strategies that are working.

Both sessions are moderated by professional artist and speaker MelVee X of MVX Studios; and offered free online over the lunch hour. Registrations are open now via the GlobalFest website.

globalfest.ca/human-rights-forum/

The annual Human Rights Forum topics are structured around the UNESCO’s Coalition of Municipalities against Racism and Discrimination. Recognized as an excellent platform for sharing experiences, knowledge, and practical solutions necessary to address issues of racism and discrimination, the Human Rights Forum encourages systemic change across the Canadian community in a positive and safe environment.

About GlobalFest

GlobalFest is a not-for-profit society dedicated to celebrating and showcasing Calgary’s cultural diversity and artistic excellence within our communities locally and across the globe. We are committed to producing an inclusive, world-class, multi-faceted arts and cultural festival that will enhance Alberta’s reputation as a truly international destination.

For more information or interview, please contact:

Olwen Bell | Marketing & Communications Manager GlobalFest

P: 403-569-9679 | E: marketing@globalfest.slandstudios-staging.com