I attended the “No Justice, No Peace” march in Ottawa, yesterday. The energy was electric. The size of the crowd was nearly overwhelming. I don’t believe I’ve ever experienced so many different emotions in such a short amount of time.
The march was well-organized, with volunteers all over the place providing water, masks, hand sanitizer, and, when needed, medical care. I tried my best to keep my distance from everyone, but with so many people filling the streets, maintaining social distance just wasn’t possible. Many will say that it was reckless to crowd together during a pandemic, and I certainly see their point. Given the transformation that’s happening down south - let alone centuries of atrocities brought about by racial discrimination all over the world - I feel it’s absolutely necessary to take action, something I should have done since I was mature enough to formulate an opinion on the matter. I made sure to keep my hands sanitized, and I made sure not to touch my face.
I was late, so I missed the opening speeches. I did manage to make it to the Canadian Tribute to Human Rights, where several moving speeches and performances took place. By the end, I had a lot to think about. Today, I donated to a fund that helps those in need of assistance in a variety of different ways (bailout money, medical supplies, etc.). I can’t afford much, but if I can continue to donate every month, I will.
I know that I will never fully understand the pain, torment, and fear that black people endure by brutal, ignorant people, but I can be an ally. I’ll stand with you, cry with you, fight for you, and, should it come to it, die for you.
