Thousands take to the streets of Burlington in solidarity with Black Lives Matter
- Caleb Smolenaars
- 04 Jun 2020
Calls for justice echoed through the streets of downtown Burlington as over 2,000 people gathered in solidarity with the Black Lives Matter movement.
On Thursday evening (June 4th), people gathered for a peaceful demonstration in downtown Burlington. The group, which consisted of mostly students, met at the intersection of Walkers Line and New Street and walked a 4km route to Burlington City Hall.
The vocal protesters held signs with slogans like ‘Black Lives Matter’ and ‘I can’t breathe’; a rallying cry heard around the world as people stand against Black racism and police brutality.
New Street was closed by police between Walkers Line and Brant Street for the safety of those who participated.
Many in attendance said they found out about the march from a poster which was quickly spread across social media platforms after being created by a group of university students. The organizers were active on social media during the days leading up to the event reminding people of safety measures for COVID-19. The majority of people who participated wore masks.
Olivia Van Dam, a 17-year-old activist, was in attendance at the event. “I’m marching because I know that I cannot stay silent. If I stay silent I am only allowing this violence to continue,” said Van Dam.
Flags outside Burlington City Hall and Burlington Fire Stations were lowered “to support the global movement to end systematic racism,” according to a social media post by Mayor Marianne Meed Ward.
Chief Stephen Tanner of the Halton Regional Police also released a statement on Thursday morning in support of the protestors, stating “If you are taking part [in the protest], please know that you have full support of the Halton Regional Police Service.”
All photos by Caleb Smolenaars
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