GUELPH – The Guelph Black Heritage Society (GBHS) is organizing a Black Lives Matter rally here this weekend.
The event will take place on Saturday (June 6) at 2pm at Guelph City Hall.
Officials say the “peaceful march and protest” will “raise awareness for the lives lost in violence and to show solidarity for the families and communities most impacted.”
“Black, racialized and non-racialized members of our community are grieving,” states the GBHS press release.
“The lives that have been lost, reported and not, have carried with them the weight of their injustices.”
Specifically, the event is a protest for Ahmaud Arbery, Breonna Taylor, George Floyd, Regis Korchinski-Paquet and all others who lost their lives – “whose names we know and … do not know,” officials state.
The event will feature musician Andrew Craig, community leader Marva Wisdom, spoken word by Audny-Cashae Stewart and Natalie Ann, and speeches by Kayla “Kween” Gerber, among others.
GBHS officials say the event is open to everyone.
“There are no sidelines from which to watch,” states the release.
“All organizations and citizens that care about justice have a responsibility to join this worthy endeavour …
“Let us continue to build on our strong relationships through sustained dialogue and foster a caring community in the spirit of solidarity to resist the withering corrosion of xenophobia and racism.”
Organizers say participants must adhere to the following guidelines:
- if you are experiencing any COVID-19 symptoms, please stay home;
- you must wear a mask that covers your nose and mouth;
- maintain physical distancing of two meters from each other;
- march in groups of five or less;
- maintain a distance of six feet between each group; and
- plan ahead for essential needs, care and supplies.
