The March against Injustice took place on Saturday in Brockville and organizers estimate between 400 and 600 people took part.
Organizer Chelsea van Stralen says she feels it was an overwhelmingly positive response.
“In being present, the emotions people felt, the voices that were heard, I think we’ve touched the tip of an iceberg here.”
Van Stralen says her and fellow organizer Cindy Casselman, would like to participate in more conversations with city officials and hope to work on policies that prevent racism in schools and make policies in place for police brutality. She says they are definitely hoping for more marches when guidelines lift.
Van Stralen says on Friday, her and Casselman joined an online meeting with Police Chief Scott Fraser, MP Michael Barrett, Mayor Jason Baker and a representative for MPP Steve Clark. She says they discussed topics of concern for people of colour in Brockville and calls the conversation very productive.
“I believe it shows the willingness of people in powerful positions here in Brockville to learn in matters such as these. And I hope that going forward those conversations can continue to happen.”
Van Stralen says for anyone who feels negatively about this, she encourages them to be open and willing to learn about oppression and systemic racism.