A George Floyd solidarity rally at Willingdon Beach drew a crowd on June 5 where participants expressed their thoughts on the death of the black man in Minneapolis police custody last month.
Some riding bikes, many carrying signs, rally participants gathered to show their opposition to racism, with many cars driving by honking horns in support.
Malcolm Oliver, the event’s organizer, said he saw a need to put together the rally.
“It wasn’t happening,” he said. “I would have loved to have followed a group led by people of colour to do something like this but I didn’t see it happening. I wanted to bring people together so we can actually think about racism.
“Everybody is posting things on Facebook and getting likes but that doesn’t really do anything.”
Oliver said it was important to bring people together in this environment.
“It’s not only a message to the people that aren’t involved,” he said. “It’s also a way for people to heal together.”
He said he was pleased with the turnout. He said all he did was make posters and he spent two afternoons putting them up and talking to people.
“Something I’ve learned is organizing this type of direct action is really simple when you don’t have to deal with the bureaucracy of getting funding and that kind of thing,” said Oliver. “I didn’t even post on social media. I encourage people not to because there are a lot of hateful people who found that it was a platform for them to use to spread hate through the community.”
Cyndi Pallen, from Tla’amin Nation, spoke to the assembly, welcoming them to Tla’amin territory. She welcomed them to support the protest and raise awareness about anti-racism and stopping the violence perpetuated against people of colour.
“I’m here with our next generation of Tla’amin with all of our friends and family,” said Pallen. “It takes courage to stand up and I honour all of you for doing what you are doing today. It’s kind of sad that we’re on June 5, 2020, dealing with this kind of racism in our society. We need to pass on the message that violence is unacceptable. Racism and oppression needs to stop.”
Pallen said there are many people suffering in today’s society and it’s uncalled for. We’re in the 21st century and this is still being experienced, she added.
“Every day, ethnic minorities face racism and violence in BC, Canada and the United States, as you are all aware,” said Pallen. “Many of these random acts of violence go denied or underestimated. All indigenous people have been impacted in one way or another by the systems we live under.”
Pallen mentioned the recent death of Chantel Moore, a 26-year-old indigenous woman, who was shot and killed by police in New Brunswick. She said the group also sends its thoughts to George Floyd.
“That was uncalled for, also,” said Pallen. “We trust the investigation will be carried out in a just manner and that the truth comes out. We’re here to support all the families of those who are suffering right now. Many suffer alone, in silence.
“This is going all over the world now. People are recognizing that racism needs to stop, especially in the hands of the justice system, which is there to protect us.”
Pallen said in the community of Powell River, there are people who are vulnerable and who also have been harassed by the police because of who they are and their identity.
“Today we stand in solidarity,” said Pallen. “We ask our ancestors who walked before us to give us the courage and strength we need to continue raising awareness and working together to stop the violence at every level.”
