Sherbrooke to march against racism this Saturday
This Saturday, downtown Sherbrooke will be host to what organizers hope will be a large-scale demonstration in support and solidarity with migrant people around the world. The demonstration, entitled “Ensemble avec les personnes migrantes contre le racisme” or, “Together with migrant people against racism” is rallied around a call to action that is available to read in English, French, and Spanish at https://contreleracisme.wixsite.com/collectif/.
“The present context bears the great myth that the migrants are dangerous people, which legitimizes racism against them, as well as against all those who are different and live at the crossroads of oppressions due to their looks, beliefs, gender, gender identity, social class, or their skills,” the call to action states. “The Collective opposes false truths and calls all of us to wake up.”
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In 2018, the Eastern Townships Poultry Breeders association donated $3,600 worth of Quebec chicken to Moisson Estrie and Moisson Granby. According to group president, Mario Bérard, "the Moisson organizations are doing an important job in each region and local poultry farmers want to contribute".
According to Bérard, Eastern Townships Poultry Breeders, and those from across Quebec, are proud to support these organizations fighting hunger and to be an important player in their community by helping families in need through of these organizations. “The primary mission of the chicken farmers is to produce the best chicken to feed Quebec families. We believe that everyone should enjoy a festive and wellstocked celebration during the holiday season,” he commented.
For information on Quebec chicken, visit www.lepoulet.qc.ca
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The text calls for the opening of borders to migrants and refugees on the basis that they deserve dignity and access to basic human rights.
“We don't believe the lies of politicians blaming social inequalities and unfairness on migrants, who in fact are the very first victims,” it continues.
Michèle Vatz-laaroussi, spokesperson for Saturday’s march, said that the activity is a continuation of similar actions that took place in Montreal last year.
“People are afraid and the associate immigrants with a threat,” Vatzlaaroussi said. “We want it to be clear that not all Quebecers feel threatened.”
The spokesperson said that the group organizing the activity wants to counterbalance fearmongering they see going on in the political world and that of the media and to stand in solidarity with vulnerable people who are seeking a new, safe home.
“We want immigrants to find good conditions when they come to our country,” she said.
The day’s activities get started at 12:30 with a sign making workshop at the Centre coopératif de locaux communautaires de Sherbrooke(cclcs), a cooperative that offers meeting space to community groups and organizations on Laurier Street.
The march will leave from the Marché de la Gare at 3 p.m. and head north on Belvedere to King Street. The procession will then continue on King to the Corner of Alexander where it will turn south and follow that street before turning east on Ball. From Ball the route turns North on Brooks to rejoin King, where marchers will descend the hill before turning onto Wellington street, ending the demonstration in front of the City Hall. Throughout this winding journey, the group will stop in front of a series of landmarks where brief speeches on certain themes linked to the subject of the march will be given.
“It is a demonstration with substance,” Vatz-laaroussi said. “We’re not just talking about a walk with some slogans.”
After the march has finished, the participants are invited back to the CCLCS for a community meal between 5 p.m. and 7 p.m.
Asked about turnout, the spokesperson said that the event has more than 1,000 interested on Facebook, with 110 individuals and 30 organizations having signed their call to action.
“We hope people will come but we’ve set no particular objective,” Vatzlaaroussi said. “We just hope for the largest number possible.”
Vatz-laaroussi also highlighted the family friendly nature of the event, pointing out that there will be a dropin daycare service offered for the duration of the walk to anyone who wants to participate without their children. Children are also welcome to participate in the walk, as they are able.