Calgarians march to defund police, in support of Black Lives Matter
Posted Aug 29, 2020 3:44 pm.
Last Updated Aug 30, 2020 9:02 am.
CALGARY (CITY NEWS) – Calgarians took part in a nationwide protest Saturday afternoon in support of the Black Lives Matter movement.
The rally saw hundreds of protesters march from Sien Lok Park in Chinatown toward City Hall.
The demonstration was organized by groups Black Trans Lives Matter and DefundYYC, with the help of Idle No More.
A heckler is being surrounded here. He says he “loves the police,” and called the crowd ‘maniacs.’ No police came to control the situation, though there is a presence here. #yyc pic.twitter.com/no8qcYrice
— Taylor Braat (@TaylorBraat_) August 29, 2020
It was part of a nationwide day of protest opposing racial inequalities and demanding police departments be defunded. Similar demonstrations were also held in Montreal, Toronto, Ottawa and Halifax.
“People who are in a position of power do not care about us, do not care about my skin colour,” said Adebayo Katiiti, the founder of LGBTQ+ rights group RARICAnow.
“A lot of refugees really see Canada as a haven for safety, but they’re not ready for the repercussions when they come here. They’re not ready for the discrimination.”
https://twitter.com/TaylorBraat_/status/1299801871117287424
Some protesters wore Black Lives Matter hoodies while others waved rainbow-coloured Pride flags.
The group chanted “Black Trans Lives Matter” and “No Justice, No Peace” as they walked through the streets of downtown Calgary, sometimes against oncoming traffic. At one point, protesters halted traffic when they took a knee at a busy intersection.
A stunning moment. Protesters take a knee in the middle of traffic in downtown #yyc. “Black Trans Lives Matter,” “Defund the Police” & “Black Lives Matter”. #DefundThePolice #BLM pic.twitter.com/pXZiyEPWl7
— Taylor Braat (@TaylorBraat_) August 29, 2020
There was a police presence at the event.
“I will be there in support to make sure it’s a safe environment for everybody,” said Duty Inspector Curtis Olson earlier on Saturday. “Just making sure we’re responsive to the community need and supporting what’s going on there.”
