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Local BLM rally draws 1,000 supporters to downtown Orangeville

June 18, 2020   ·   0 Comments

By Brian Lockhart

Around 1,000 people gathered at Alexandra Park in Orangeville on Sunday (June 14) to take part in a rally in support of the Black Lives Matter movement.

Carrying protest signs and chanting different messages, the group moved from the park and paraded up and down Broadway.

The main street had been cordoned off earlier to stop traffic and allow the peaceful march to take place.

Several speeches took place from the gazebo in the park before the march.

One organizer reminded the crowd that this was to be a peaceful event.

The event was organized by local resident Patti Thomas.

Ms. Thomas, who is white, has a black husband and three mixed-raced children. She said she was inspired by her children to organize an event that promotes racial equality.

“It started with my daughters wanting to walk up and down Broadway holding the signs they made to show awareness,” Ms. Thomas told the crowd. “It has grown into a supportive community event filled with solidarity. I believe it takes a village to make changes to this world. Look around at those who are standing beside you. The change starts with us, and we are that village.”

While the main message was apparent, people had different reasons for attending the rally.

One man who asked to remain anonymous, because as he put it, “I’ve been in lot of trouble in this town,” said he was there because he identified with oppression. But the oppression he felt was for religious reasons.

“I had religious abuse,” he said. “It’s hard to explain, but I feel the oppression that people here don’t want to see.”

He also said being Métis made him feel like he was part of a minority.

Friends Meg and Cara attended to make their presence and opinion count.

“I’m here to have a voice and share my opinion,” Meg said “There was an incredible number here today. We are a small town with a majority of white people so I think everyone coming out to share their opinion and ask ‘why is there a divide?’ is huge.”

For Ian, a local resident who brought his family to the event, taking part in the march was a way to support other people.

“We came out to support those in our community who have a harder time in life, including black people, visible minorities, indigenous people, the LGBTQ community – those who feel oppressed in life, when life shouldn’t be oppressive.”

He said the message he was trying to pass on to his children was “Everybody matters. It’s not a matter of what you see on TV, it’s something you have to live with and we try to teach them to accept everybody for who they are.”

The large crowd returned to the park after the march where many stayed to discuss the movement and share their opinions with others.


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