Hundreds gather to rally against racism in Regina
Speakers say people on this side of border have no reason to feel smug
Hundreds of protesters took a knee and chanted names in front of the Saskatchewan Legislative Building on Tuesday, their bodies surrounding a chalk drawing of the man whose death has ignited protests across the United States.
“George Floyd,” they said in unison. But their list was long. Tamir Rice, Eric Garner, Canadians like Regis Korchinski-paquet, they said, and “countless others.”
They uttered two names that rekindled painful Regina stories. Promise ‘Max’ Chukwudum and Samwel Uko did not die at the hands of police, but the protesters spoke their names, apparently as symbols of the struggles facing black people in Regina.
Nyabani Mathiang, who is originally from South Sudan and called herself a relative of Uko, put it simply: “racism exists.”
“A couple of weeks ago Samwel lost his life. He said ‘I need help,’ but yet he lost his help,” she said. “And why? I’m saying, because he’s black. This would have been different if he wasn’t black.”
The protest in Regina was entirely peaceful. Organizers disavowed graffiti that marred the war memorial near the legislature with the words “Justice for Floyd” and “BLM.” They were adamant, “this is not from us.”
They repeatedly asked the sea of protesters to keep two metres apart. “We’re begging you to social distance,” said one organizer. But her calls proved futile with so many people present. The overwhelming majority of the protesters were wearing masks, and hand sanitizer was available.
Speakers said their message is one of peace and justice. But it was not an easy message. Again and again, they argued that Canada and Saskatchewan are not immune to the racism that has thrown the United States into convulsions of resistance.
One of the organizers, who goes only by the name Ker, said Canadian racism is more polite, but “wholly insidious.”
“Many times I’ve observed Canadians looking at the world, particularly the neighbour downstairs, and hotly congratulate ourselves about how good things are here, and how we’re post-race,” said Ker.
“Ask black kids about their school experiences, and you will be shocked the venomously racist language that their age-mates seem to have gained proficiency in so early in life.”
Alxavier Reid knows that feeling. His mother, Latoya Reid, stood up to tell the rally about the racism the nine-year-old boy faces. Her son was at her side holding a sign against bullying.
“He’s witnessed me crying over his experiences of being racialized within the school system,” said Reid, who is originally from Jamaica. “And so my son here, he’s nine, and I have had to witness him being sidelined, being pushed to the extreme, and when he retaliates or when he vents himself, he’s painted as an aggressor.
Organizers called for recourse against anti-black bullying in the school system as part of a short list of demands, which also included an investigation into the events leading up to Uko’s death and better mental health supports for the black community.
“We want to see what they’re going to do so this doesn’t happen again,” said organizer Faith Olanipekun.
Premier Scott Moe addressed the protest during remarks on Tuesday afternoon, saying that racism has no place in Saskatchewan. He commended protesters for making their voices heard and said they have his support. “Racism is not all right and black lives do matter,” he said. He called the protest “a peaceful demonstration in support of tolerance.”
“Like so many others, I have been deeply disturbed by recent events that we have observed in the U.S. and I was disturbed and horrified by the brutal and senseless killing of George Floyd,” said Moe.
“Racism remains a problem in our societies in our communities and we should take every opportunity to speak out against it.”
Moe did not personally attend the protest, though at least two Saskatchewan Party MLAS were present. Speaker Mark Docherty led a chant of “black lives matter.” NDP MLA Nicole Sarauer spoke briefly for the opposition, urging the protesters to push their elected representatives for speech and action.
“Silence is lethal,” she said. “When you don’t speak, you are complicit ... No justice, no peace.”
Criticism of police was widespread at the rally, though politicians steered clear. Signs carried messages like “copless future.” Ker argued that there are “no good cops.”
“I want the trauma to end for our kids,” she said. “I want no parents to have to explain to their kid what to do when you meet a cop. I want kids to be comfortable around law enforcement.”
I want no parents to have to explain to their kid what to do when you meet a cop. I want kids to be comfortable around law enforcement.
Chief Evan Bray was not at the rally. The Regina Police Service said about seven officers attended for a “safety-oriented presence” although there were no issues. Protesters booed when Bray’s absence was noted.
A police spokesperson later stated, “The Chief was not at the protest. We had one of our senior officers reach out to the organizers, as soon as we were aware it was being set up. That’s usual protocol, to see if they have concerns and to let them know we are there to help ensure their safety, as well as community safety. I know the Chief was not asked to speak.”
The Regina Police Service did take to Twitter on Tuesday morning to condemn the actions of police involved in Floyd’s death.