SYRACUSE, N.Y. -- Hundreds of rubber ducks waded through the water at the Syracuse Inner Harbor Saturday, sending a message to end racism.

The Duck Race is in its eighth year, raising money for Community Wide Dialogue to End Racism. Syracuse city leaders say our community and our country are so diverse that it's vital we respect each other's cultures and backgrounds.

"We are the only country in the world with that diversity. Over the last four or 500 years this has been the strength. That's why we have emerged as leaders in this world and that's why we'll continue to be leaders, because each group brings such value to us,” said Van Robinson, Syracuse Common Council Majority Leader.

Robinson says he believes racism still exists in our society today, but it's not as visible as once was. He says it may never be completely erased, but he hopes events like the duck race help people understand why diversity is so important.