Another protest against racism is set to take place in Vancouver tomorrow, following last Sunday’s peaceful gathering of approximately 3,500 people in front of the Vancouver Art Gallery.
The local demonstrations come in response to the killing of George Floyd by a white Minnesota police officer last month, and in solidarity with widespread protests sparked by the incident around the globe. All four officers involved in Floyd’s death have now been charged.
In addition to the longstanding, systemic racism experienced by community members who are Black, Indigenous and people of colour, Canadian rallies have also been protesting the death of Regis Korchinski-Paquet, a black woman who died after falling off her balcony. Family members previously claimed Toronto police officers pushed her.
Vancouver's second protest this week will take place by the Olympic Cauldron at 4 p.m. on June 5.
As organizer Jacob Callender-Prasad explained in a pair of Instagram videos, those behind the event decided to switch locations after initially planning to host a march that would involve a stop in front of Trump Tower, citing both health and safety concerns.
In the video, Callender-Prasad repeated his pleas to protestors to stay peaceful, citing the decision of major retailers like Nordstrom to board up their Vancouver storefronts, as a precaution following the rioting and looting that’s taken place in several U.S. cities.
“Your safety is a top priority - if we march, I cannot guarantee your safety; I cannot guarantee a riot will not happen," Callender-Prasad said. "We’ve seen across the world that protests have led to riots, but here in Vancouver our peaceful protest was kept peaceful, and I want to continue to have that.”
He continued, “We just want to make sure [riots don’t] happen in our hometown, where we all work, where our friends work, where we have to live, where our tax money will be put into if it gets damaged. I just can't stress it enough.”
The only protest organizers are planning is for Friday, June 5, Callender-Prasad clarified. “There is no Saturday event, there is no Sunday event, we do not need three back to back protests, especially during COVID-19,” he said.
On Wednesday, B.C. Premier John Horgan encouraged British Columbians to participate in peaceful protests and speak out against racism and injustice, but, as the COVID-19 pandemic continues, reminded protestors to keep health and safety protocols in mind while doing so.
“In British Columbia, we have a history of peaceful demonstration - we had a demonstration here in the legislature to add to the voices around the world calling on the United States to do better. It was peaceful, it was appropriate and I encourage people to have their voices be heard,” he said.
“But also, please, abide by the directions [B.C. provincial health officer Dr. Bonnie] Henry has put in place, try and stay a good distance away from your fellow protestors, wear a mask if at all possible. If you’re going to be chanting, make sure you’re covering yourself up so you’re not potentially infecting other people.”
Also on Wednesday, Henry acknowledged the importance of peaceful demonstrations but reminded British Columbians that “equally important is keeping our communities, loved ones and friends safe during this pandemic.”
“Whether going to the grocery store, seeing friends on a patio or attending a peaceful demonstration, the same rules for safe physical distancing apply,” she said.
“Be mindful of the risks you are taking and continue to follow the provincial health officer’s order to limit gatherings to no more than 50 people.”
Henry encouraged British Columbians to consider alternate methods of demonstration, for example, gathering in smaller numbers across multiple locations.
“Let’s stand united across our province, our nation and around the world. Let’s continue to work together and learn from others to keep our firewall strong and importantly, use this time to spread the message of respect and tolerance rather than spreading the virus.”
On Monday, Henry encouraged those who attended the previous day’s sizeable protest to monitor themselves for symptoms of COVID-19 for the next 14 days. In the event protestors begin experiencing symptoms, she urges them to self-isolate and get tested to help prevent further transmission.
As with last weekend’s demonstration, Black Lives Matter (BLM) Vancouver is not directly involved in organizing Friday’s protest, but wrote in an Instagram post that members “stand in solidarity," adding, “We continue to support Black folx & others who demand to be heard & seen in the streets. We are with you.”
The post goes on to point out that Black and Indigenous communities are statistically at a higher risk of contracting and suffering from COVID-19. BLM Vancouver is urging its followers who plan on attending tomorrow’s protest to wear a mask, stay at least two metres away from others, and wash or sanitize hands after touching anything or anyone.
The local organization also reminds protestors that it’s recommended they self-isolate for 14 days following the rally. “Analyze potential risks & check-in with yourself. If you cannot attend/don’t feel safe, remember that there are many lanes to activism,” the post explains.
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With files from Elana Shepert and Lindsay William-Ross
