Hundreds of people are expected to take to the streets in Chatham in a show of solidarity against systemic discrimination and anti-black racism.
Like the numerous widespread protests that have recently been held in dozens of cities across North America, the Chatham-Kent Supports Black Lives Matter march will be held on Friday. Peaceful demonstrators will gather at 7 p.m. at the WISH Centre located at 177 King St. E.
"The intent is really just to get black voices heard in Chatham-Kent and also around the world. We're standing in solidarity, especially with the United States, and acknowledging that racism is a widespread [problem]," said organizer Erykah Bugros.
The march is being held in the wake of the police-involved death of George Floyd, an African American man, in Minnesota. Floyd, 46, died after being held down by a Minneapolis police officer who was seen on video pressing his knee onto a prone, handcuffed Floyd. During the video, Floyd was heard crying out that he could not breathe.
"It's traumatic, to say the least. That man could have been anyone of my family members," said Bugros. "It's an emotional time for the entire black community... That's what we're trying to do here, is take all of that emotion, all of that hurt and that anger and channel it into something where we can make a positive change."
Bugros added the issue of anti-black racism does not stop at the U.S.-Canada border.
"These are definitely issues that present themselves in Chatham-Kent as well, I think there are a lot of black communities that still have the exact same fears people in the United States... the issue is widespread so the movement should be widespread as well."
Organizers said they do not condone any form of violence during the march. As well, everyone who attends is encouraged to wear personal protective equipment, such as face masks, and to continue to practice social distancing to limit any possible spread of COVID-19.