Raise Your Hands Against Racism, which was launched in January 2015, on the birth anniversary of African American civil rights movement leader Martin Luther King Jr., has received a Community Service Award from the apex body of broadcasters in BC.  

The campaign, which has been recognized by Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and BC premier John Horgan, was given this year’s fall award by BC Association of Broadcasters.  

Started by Burnaby-based Spice Radio CEO Shuhsma Datt, Raise Your Hands Against Racism continues to trend across the province.  

The campaign picked up in the post-Trump political environment in North America. In the light of recent attacks on people of Asian heritage following the outbreak of COVID 19 in China, the campaign has become even more relevant.  

It encourages the participants to dip their hands in colour and leave their palm prints alongside a message against bigotry. The annual event coincides with Holi, the Indian festival of colours.   

This year’s event was cancelled because of the pandemic.  

Over the years, many prominent political and apolitical figures have joined the campaign, and several individuals who have stood up against racism and discrimination have been awarded as part of the initiative.