Local group, Brandonites Engaged Against Repression, is organizing a peaceful anti-racism walk next week.
The group’s Carleigh Evens says recent protests in the U-S, sparked by the death of George Floyd in Minnesota, have drawn attention to similar issues here in Canada. “It’s something that needs to be addressed, and we need to talk about it; as uncomfortable as it is, it needs to be discussed.”
The march is to begin at 5:00 pm at the Keystone Centre and is to proceed north on 18th Street to the Corral Centre. Evens says they’ll have hand sanitizer and water for those taking part – and she reminds everyone to remember to practice physical distancing.
A post on BEAR’s Facebook page says “We are here to acknowledge our people who have faced oppression, racism or any form of mistreatment. We are not here to be violent or condone looting and rioting. We don’t hate. We simply want to spread awareness that Canada needs a lot of work too. No matter what walk of life you’re from, we need each and every one of you, who believe in justice, to stand up and speak for those who have been murdered or taken by a system built by corruption.”
Evens says racism is a reality for many of her friends. “I have friends who are scared to walk down the street because they’re scared of being harassed by people, and people being suspicious of them just becausee of the colour of their skin – it’s just not right.”
A link to BEAR’s Facebook page can be found below.