HUMBOLDT — A movement against racism and police brutality has moved north to Humboldt.
At noon on June 4, a peaceful rally started at Civic Park before marching downtown.
“I think it is very important to recognize that racism is a problem, not only in America but in Canada, Saskatchewan and in Humboldt. I feel like it doesn't get recognized as much here,” said Eilish McAnally, the organizer of the rally.
McAnally said there is racism in the community.
“As a white person I can’t begin to even imagine, but there's definitely racism. I have talked to my friends who are people of color and there is for sure racism here in Humboldt, and we need to recognize that and we need to start standing up against it.”
The aim of the protest was to support the Black Lives Matter movement. It comes on the heels of civil unrest in the U.S., where protests in many cities across the country have turned violent as people protest police brutality.
The U.S. protests were sparked by the death of George Floyd on May 25. He died in police custody during an arrest on May 25 that was caught on video. Floyd was arrested after a convenience store employee alleged he used a counterfeit $20 bill.
The video shows former Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin with his knee planted on Floyd’s neck. Former officers J. Alexander Kueng and Thomas Lane restrained Floyd, while former officer Tou Thao prevented onlookers from intervening. Floyd repeatedly told the officers he couldn’t breathe.
All four were fired from the Minneapolis police force the next day. As of June 4, Chauvin is charged with second-degree murder and the other three are charged with aiding and abetting second-degree murder and aiding and abetting second-degree manslaughter.
“I think it is a real issue that black people are being murdered, and that there's police brutality against them, and justice isn't being [served],” McAnally said. “I think we as white people need to recognize our white privilege, and use it to stand beside our black brothers and sisters to fight for justice and equality.”
McAnally said she was pleased with the turnout of the rally.
“It's really nice, for those who could, to come out and speak out for something that they believe in.”
A similar rally was held at the Saskatchewan Legislature on June 2.
