Hundreds of people took part in a rally and march in Sarnia Saturday afternoon in support of the Black Lives Matter movement.
Most wore masks in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic but physical distancing was a challenge. The large crowd gathered at Sarnia City Hall and then marched through the downtown, with signs in hand, pounding drums and chanting slogans for social change.
United Church Minister Adam Kilner addressed the crowd at city hall saying "today is a marvelous day."
Minister Adam Kilner speaks to hundreds gathered outside Sarnia City Hall for a rally and march in support of the Black Lives Matter movement. #slont pic.twitter.com/dy0OH9jwy9
— CHOK News Sarnia (@BlackburnSarnia) June 13, 2020
The protesters stretched for blocks as they marched down Christina Street to Wellington Street, west to Front Street and back to city hall.
Hundreds march through downtown Sarnia in support of the Black Lives Matter movement. #slont pic.twitter.com/TnGZrsRjVt
— CHOK News Sarnia (@BlackburnSarnia) June 13, 2020
Sarnia Police Chief Norm Hansen was on hand and extra city police officers were deployed to watch over the event. While there was a report of an arrest before the march started, it appeared the protest was peaceful and orderly.
The death of George Floyd while in the custody of police in Minneapolis, Minnesota May 25 has triggered worldwide protests against racism and police brutality. United Church Minister Adam Kilner addresses Black Lives Matter rally at Sarnia City Hall June 13, 2020 (BlackburnNews.com photo by Dave Dentinger)
Hundreds march in Sarnia's downtown for Black Lives Matter rally June 13, 2020 (BlackburnNews.com photo by Dave Dentinger)
Hundreds gather in Sarnia's downtown for Black Lives Matter rally June 13, 2020 (BlackburnNews.com photo by Dave Dentinger)
Hundreds march in Sarnia's downtown for Black Lives Matter rally June 13, 2020 (BlackburnNews.com photo by Dave Dentinger)
Hundreds march in Sarnia's downtown for Black Lives Matter rally June 13, 2020 (BlackburnNews.com photo by Dave Dentinger)
Hundreds march in Sarnia's downtown for Black Lives Matter rally June 13, 2020 (BlackburnNews.com photo by Dave Dentinger)
Hundreds march in Sarnia's downtown for Black Lives Matter rally June 13, 2020 (BlackburnNews.com photo by Dave Dentinger)
Hundreds march in Sarnia's downtown for Black Lives Matter rally June 13, 2020 (BlackburnNews.com photo by Dave Dentinger)