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STICKING TOGETHER DURING THESE TIMES
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 10, 2020
Estevan takes a stand against racism at peaceful Black Lives Matter protest By David Willberg dwillberg@estevanmercury.ca
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Estevan area residents rallied against racism and police brutality Sunday afternoon during a peaceful Black Lives Matter protest on Fourth Street. An estimated crowd of 150-200 people gathered in central Estevan for the event. It started on the sidewalk in front of the Estevan Court House, where supporters stood with signs to show their support for equality and an end to racism. Many of them had signs that said “Black Lives Matter,” but others used their own messages. People also chanted “No Peace, No Justice,” “Black Lives Matter” and “I Can’t Breathe.” Following a brief introduction by Dallas Macalalad, one of the organizers of the event along with Kelsey Rydberg, they marched 2 1/2 blocks down Fourth Street to the intersection with 13th Avenue, before returning to the Court House. Macalalad read the names of some black people who have died at the hands of law enforcement officials. Then the crowd knelt and observed eight minutes and 46 seconds of silence – the amount of time white Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin knelt on the neck of a black man, George Floyd. Floyd died in the incident. The video of Chauvin’s actions has sparked protests throughout the world, including some in Saskatchewan. Chauvin and three other officers have been charged in connection with Floyd's death. Several speakers addressed the Estevan crowd and then the audience gradually dispersed, with some choosing to return to the sidewalk with their signs. Many motorists honked their horns to support the protesters. Most of the people in attendance also donned facemasks due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Macalalad and Rydberg said they were pleased with the attendance for the rally. Prior to Sunday, they had hoped to attract about 20 people to the protest, but that number was easily surpassed before the scheduled 2 p.m. start time. “The biggest thing was
People lined Fourth Street in front of the Estevan Court House on Sunday afternoon for the Black Lives Matter protest. Photo by David Willberg just sparking the conversation. That’s how you start awareness,” Macalalad said. “Even if one person showed up, at least everyone in the community knew what was happening, they could start that conversation with their family, and hopefully just educate each other with what’s happening and why it’s happening.” “The acknowledgement of what is happening with the Black Lives Matter movement, that’s happening in our community, is amazing,” said Rydberg. They were particularly pleased to see the kids in attendance. “If we can influence them in the right way, and educate them against hate, then the future’s looking bright,” said Macalalad. Members of the Estevan Police Service were on hand to show their support, and Police Chief Paul Ladouceur was among the speakers. He said events like Sunday’s protest make him proud to be the chief in Estevan. He said he was offended by the video of Floyd’s death, and any chief who wasn’t upset or concerned about the future shouldn’t be in the chief ’s role. Ladouceur watched it twice, and said he’ll have a hard time watching it again. “The time we spent on our knees today just exemplifies just how long that gentleman (Chauvin) was there with a knee on his (Floyd’s) neck,” said
Supporters of the Black Lives Matter protest marched through downtown Estevan. Photo by David Willberg Ladouceur. “Police aren’t trained that way. None of our officers are trained that way.” Ladouceur admitted that racism exists in police services. In his 27-year policing career, he’s heard a lot of talk about what to do about racism, but there has been little action. The number of young people present at the Estevan rally also gives Ladouceur hope for the future. Dwight Bramble, who is the city’s economic development co-ordinator, hails from the Caribbean nation of St. Vincent. He spoke to the crowd about the need to make a positive change, and told the audience how pleased he was to see so many people present. Estevan was “on the right side of history,” Bramble said. “I have to applaud every single one of you for coming out here today. We’re showing not only solidarity, but showing
that we’re human, and that you understand what it means to be a human,” he said to applause. While some people view racism as a public health issue, Bramble described it as a human survival issue. Even though people may not have been exposed to racism, it exists. “It’s incumbent upon you to go back to your families and your friends and your coworkers and your neighbours and let them know that black lives matter. Let them know that all lives matter. And if you live by that principle that all lives matter, then black lives must matter all the same.” Bramble also urged people not to be afraid to come up to him because he’s black. Rydberg and Macalalad said it was an amazing turnout, and they’re very proud of the community. “We don’t usually do stuff like this, but even the small
communities like us, we have a voice, and we just want to support the cause, and that’s all we’re trying to do is really support a cause,” said Macalalad, as numerous vehicles drove by, honking their horns in a supportive fashion. They were particularly impressed with the speeches. Rydberg was left marvelling at the message that Bramble had to provide. The only incident came late in the afternoon, when a couple of individuals not involved with the protest instigated a shouting match with some standing outside.The situation quickly resolved itself, and the peaceful protest resumed. No charges were laid. Rydberg and Macalalad said they hope they won’t have to organize an event like this again in the future, but they will keep the conversation moving forward.
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