Two peaceful marches to draw attention to racism and in suppprt of Black Lives Matter are being held today (June 11) in Brandon.
One of the organizers, 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.”
A post on her group’s Facebook page (BEAR – Brandonites Engaged Against Racism) 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.”
One walk begins at 5:00 pm from the Keystone Centre – the second, from Brandon University’s Healthy Living Centre, starts at 6:00 pm and both end at Princess Park.
If you’re taking part, you’re being asked to wear a face mask and practice physical distancing in order to prevent the spread of COVID-19.
