STUDENTS PLAN RALLY AGAINST RACISM

Rally Against Racism unites youth

TRURO, N. S. – Students from schools across the region will speak out against bigotry in all its forms today.

The ninth annual Rally Against Racism is expected to draw up to 2,600 children and teenagers to the streets of downtown Truro.

“The event continues as the message still holds true that we need to continue to work together to eliminate racism,” said Jennifer Rodgers, spokesperson for the Chignecto Central Regional Centre for Education.

Since March 21, the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination, students have been learning about racism and what is being done to combat it.

Organizers say learning is ageappropriate, from celebrating people’s different backgrounds to what it means to live in a diverse community. Students are also learning about Viola Desmond and the fight for equal rights in Canada, as well as reconciliation between First Nations and other Canadians.

The Rally Against Racism will begin outside Cobequid Educational Centre, where secondary school participants will gather at 10 a.m. Their route will take them along Lorne, Queen, Commercial and Prince streets to Truro’s Civic Square. Elementary students will join the march along the way.

People at Civic Square can enjoy musical entertainment and presentations celebrating Truro’s diversity. The public is welcome to join in both the march and events at Civic Square.

The rally is expected to wrap up at 11:30 a.m.