Over 250 Salt Spring Island community members gathered this afternoon in a call to action confronting racism in our community and within each of us individually.
BIPOC (Black, Indigenous and People of Colour) Community Collective Organizers shared stories of violence and discrimination experienced both personally, across the United States and here in Canada asking that we all actively stand with BIPOC people to create a more equitable and just society.
In a gathering that was graceful, fierce, somber and celebratory, organizers called for education, awareness and actions of support in honour of the countless Black, Indigenous and People of Colour who have been murdered, killed or harmed in racially motivated acts of violence. Speakers called for community members to take responsibility for BIPOC equality and to be active participants in anti-racism action.
The event was an opportunity to come together to show support and love for fellow BIPOC community on these Coast Salish ancestral lands of the Hul'qumi'num & SENĆOŦEN-speaking people, now commonly known as Salt Spring.
The event amplified the voices of women of colour in our community through story, music and poetry.
There was an 8 min and 46 second (8:46) moment of silence to remember and grieve those lost, from George Floyd and Breonna Taylor to Chantel Moore and the countless Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women.
Many who attended kept 6 feet apart and wore masks to support physical distancing requests.
Organizers also called for the boycott of local businesses that promote or support racist views and actions.
The event was one of many gatherings occuring around the world in support of the Black Lives Matter movement.
