An anti-Black racisim rally set to take place in Aurora on Sunday, June 7 and organized by a quickly formed group of local citizens aims to demonstrate support and allyship with the Black community locally and across the nation.
“We are a diverse group of young adults who cannot sit still at this time,” said Chloe Hull, an administrator of the Facebook group, Solidarity Walk - The Town of Aurora. “Some of us are Black and others are standing as allies. We are not professionals, however, we know when to stand up against social injustice and discrimination.”
Since its launch on June 2, the Solidarity Walk group has attracted 911 members. About 82 people have so far indicated their participation in the Sunday rally.
“The Black Lives Matter movement has been brought to light in response to the recent murder of George Floyd at the hands of four Minneapolis police officers,” organizers say. “It is time for our town to stand up for justice, peace and equal rights for the Black community. Show your support. Demonstrate your allyship. All lives don’t matter until Black lives matter.”
March organizers say Mayor Tom Mrakas gave his support for the walk, and the local group has also reached out to Black Lives Matter Toronto and other organizations.
In a June 1 social media post, Mrakas expressed “disgust and outrage” at the killing of 46-year-old Minneapolis, Minnesota father George Floyd at the hands of a white police officer.
“Although my voice is not the one that needs to be heard right now, the words "staying silent is being complicit" keep ringing in my head, so I feel compelled to speak up,” said Mrakas.
“Racism is a real issue that exists in our communities today,” he said. “We must all accept responsibility to help make our community safe for everyone.”
Mrakas encouraged everyone in the community to “listen and amplify the voices of people with lived experience, and self-reflect on how we can help bring change”.
He also asked that anyone experiencing racism in the community contact him directly.
“I will use my platform to advocate and endeavour to bring change,” he said.
The Black Lives Matter peaceful rally is on Sunday, June 7 from 2 to 5 p.m. It begins at Yonge Street and Henderson Drive in Aurora, and continues north on Yonge to Aurora Town Park at 49 Wells St.
Organizers say participants are invited to walk physically distanced on sidewalks on both sides of Yonge Street.
COVID-19 public health guidelines will be adhered to and participants are asked to wear a face mask and bring your own signs of personal support for the cause.
For more information and updates, visit the private Facebook group here and request to join.
Meanwhile, in neighbouring Bradford West Gwillimbury, a vigil for peace, love, unity, and justice, will take place on Saturday, June 6 at 5 p.m., with a rain date of Sunday, June 7 at 5 p.m.
The event is being organized by a group of female community leaders and will be held on the green space at the Bradford Public Library property, 425 Holland St. West. It will feature speakers from the community, as well as cultural drummers and possibly vocalists.
The speakers have been drawn from organizations and other local activists all determined to make positive change in our communities, organizers said.
The vigil was planned in response to the May 25, 2020 murder of Floyd, and the continuing incidents of police brutality against Black and Indigenous peoples here in Canada, organizers said.
Organizers said they will ensure physical distancing and hand out masks and hand sanitizer.
