Black Lives Matter Rally Sarnia June 13, 2020

On Saturday June 13, 2020 an estimated 800 people gathered at Sarnia City Hall to peacefully march in solidarity in support of the Black Lives Matter movement.

I was among the 800 and would say the experience was heart changing.

BlackLivesMatter was founded in 2013 in response to the acquittal of Trayvon Martin’s murderer. Black Lives Matter Foundation, Inc is a global organization in the US, UK, and Canada, whose mission is to eradicate white supremacy and build local power to intervene in violence inflicted on Black communities by the state and vigilantes. By combating and countering acts of violence, creating space for Black imagination and innovation, and centering Black joy, we are winning immediate improvements in our lives. - https://blacklivesmatter.com/about/

On my initial step into understanding my own white privilege and racism I fell and made a mistake. I was wrong. I appreciate those of you who reached out to me and shared with me why.

What the last few weeks has taught me is that I haven't recognized my own privilege in conversations about race. Realizing this has made me feel uncomfortable and gross. I have been in this uncomfortable place before and it always leads to change. And I will change. I plan to seek-out learning opportunities so I can better understand equity and what I can do to become a better ally.

I will never promise to be perfect, but I will always promise to be honest. I am committed to personal change no matter the discomfort of the process. Call It Out: Racism, Racial Discrimination, and Human Rights from the Ontario Human Right Commission. It's a free eCourse that I have personally taken and learned a lot of information about racism in Canada that I didn't know before. You need to do it on a laptop or desktop.

When I first arrived at the rally on Saturday, I left a little out of place and wondered if it even mattered that I was there. I quickly tried to remind myself that this was not about me. I think I was uncomfortable because I had never been to a rally or protest before and I have never really taken a stand against racism. I realize now that the only way for me to personally become comfortable with something is to try, fail and sit with the discomfort so I can learn from it and ultimately change. Adam Kilner was one of the opening speakers, I featured a piece of his speech in the video linked below showcasing other moments from the rally.

The rally moved me, it stirred something in me that makes me want to do more. So I am starting with conversations with my family and other people in our community who also want to do more to end racism.

Matthew 5:13

You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness how can it be made salty again, it is no longer good for anything.

_______

Salt of the earth

One colour is not vibrant on its own

It must stand beside many to show its vibrancy

It is my job to diversify my life

Salt out of the salt shaker

xoxo

Heather