A chain of about 70 people – including families and elders – marched down No. 3 Road today (June 20), protesting anti-Black racism.
The Black Lives Matter Chain Protest was organized by Richmond resident La Toya Barrington, who recently spoke about her experiences with racism to a 3,500-strong crowd outside the Vancouver Art Gallery at a protest earlier this month.
She told the Richmond News Tuesday, ahead of today's protest, that she wants everyone to educate themselves, to teach their friends and children about racism, and to speak up if they witness a racist act.
“It’s not enough to not be racist – we want to be pro-anti-racism,” Barrington said at the time.
Speaking at today’s event, Barrington said the march was an anti-violence campaign, aiming to bring awareness through peace.
The march began at 1 p.m. at Brighouse Park at Granville and No. 3 Road. Protesters walked down No. 3 Road with shouts of “no justice, no peace,” and “Black Lives Matter.”
Richmond city couns. Chak Au and Kelly Greene also attended the march.
Barrington and other organizers ensured that protesters left pedestrians space to pass, and encouraged those participating in the march to keep a safe physical distance to prevent the spread of COVID-19.
Protesters marched along the sidewalk to avoid blocking traffic, and people provided masks, water and supplies to those taking part in the event.
The protest ended back at the park, with a moment of silence for those who have lost their lives due to racism.
Anti-racism and Black Lives Matter protests have gripped the U.S. since George Floyd, an unarmed Black man, died after being pinned under the knee of a Minneapolis police officer for nearly nine minutes.
There has also been a wave of protests across the globe, including in Canada, such as in Vancouver and Toronto.
