FERGUS – A Black Lives Matter rally is being planned for June 20 in Fergus.
The event begins at noon in Victoria Park, at the corner of Tower Street South and Albert Street West, and wraps up around 3pm.
It will begin with speakers and then a peaceful march through town.
The 3km route will travel from Tower Street South, along St. Andrew Street East to Scotland Street and then return to Victoria Park via Union Street.
“This demonstration is a chance for the CW community to gather in solidarity for the lives lost to police brutality, systemic racism, and hatred,” organizer Maddy Smith states in a Facebook post.
“We are coming together from all backgrounds to stand against anti-black racism and injustices. We are telling our community and leaders that Black Lives Matter.”
Kyra Nankivell, 19, who says she regularly experienced racism while growing up in Centre Wellington, is also helping to organize the event.
KYRA NANKIVELL
“I decided to get involved with the Black Lives Matter event in Fergus because it is very important to take this opportunity to educate our community,” Nankivell told the Advertiser.
“The best education comes from the people who have lived the experience.
“I am able to offer an insider perspective on this topic which I believe will impact our community on a human level.”
Protesters must wear masks and maintain physical distancing.
In a June 9 statement posted on Wellington County’s website, Warden Kelly Linton reiterated the county’s strategic plan “to build diversity, openness and acceptance,” and acknowledged that “all of us in leadership need to do our part.
“The County of Wellington stands against racism and discrimination, and we support the right of people to gather in protest.
“The seriousness of COVID-19 presents a difficult dilemma. Balancing protest and public health in this unprecedented time is not easy. The provincial state of emergency is an important tool in protecting all of us from the spread of COVID-19.”
Linton added, “The right of people to peaceably assemble is a fundamental part of our free and democratic society. If you do intend to peacefully protest, please respect fellow attendees by wearing a mask and by practicing physical distancing.
“We must all do our part to stand united in our commitment to support racial equality and those who search for it. In Wellington County, Black Lives Matter.”
