Black Lives Matter marks one year in Sudbury
It's a major milestone for Black Lives Matter Sudbury that marked it's one year anniversary with a rally at Tom Davies Square.
A smaller but powerful group joined the organization as they heard speeches of empowerment. Organizers spoke of the accomplishments they have to celebrate but how there's still more work to be done.
They also spoke of how Greater Sudbury has yet to accept their demands or to defund the police budget by 10 per cent.
"I'm so ecstatic to be here, it's been a long road of us getting here, from originally being a Facebook chat of like-minded individuals and now we're a registered not-for-profit group," said president Ra'anaa Brown.
Brown says they've seen a lot of growth over the past year where their membership has doubled, even tripled and she's proud of how they've become a recognizable organization.
"We still have a lot of work to do but a lot of change has started to happen, you know already we're starting to educate the community. People are starting to understand the need for groups like our organization. They're starting to see the systemic racism that does exist within our institutions," she told CTVNews.
Ruva Gwekwerere, their communications liaison was also on hand and ready to help lead a march around the square.
"It feels great to have grown so much over the past year. We've really been able to garner support to get people who haven't understood the issues to come on board and understand the issues," said Gwekwerere.
She tells CTVNews they're very proud of what they've been able to accomplish with the rallies as well as their conference. She didn't even know if it was possible in Sudbury but now they have a movement.
"One of our biggest campaigns has been for the police budget, we're asking for a 10 per cent reduction to the police budget and for that money to go toward social services in Sudbury. We have a big problem with homelessness in Sudbury - we have addictions and mental health issues," she said.
Following their land acknowledgement and opening speeches. Black Lives Matter protested around the city block containing Tom Davies Square, first moving down Paris Street before stopping on Brady Street in front of the Greater Sudbury Police Service Headquarters.
Traffic was stopped and members laid down on the hot black pavement as someone read out names on a bullhorn.
The group then again recited their demands to the city while waving black and red coloured smoke.
After a brief demonstrations they've continued moving again and returned to the plaza, all while being escorted by members of the police traffic unit.
Black Lives Matter Sudbury says the police budget increased this past year. They're going to continue to push and call for change from city leaders.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
From outer space? Sask. farmers baffled after discovering strange wreckage in field
A family of fifth generation farmers from Ituna, Sask. are trying to find answers after discovering several strange objects lying on their land.
Broadcaster and commentator Rex Murphy dead at 77: National Post
The National Post is reporting that Rex Murphy, the pundit and columnist who hosted a national call-in radio show for decades, has died.
Pearson gold heist suspect arrested after flying into Toronto from India
Another suspect is in custody in connection with the gold heist at Toronto Pearson International Airport last year, police say.
Millions of cyberattacks per hour as B.C. government investigates multiple breaches
Careful attention to government statements and legislation is required to get a handle on the level of risk British Columbians’ information is under, as investigators probe multiple breaches under a continued barrage of attacks.
Ontario family receives massive hospital bill as part of LTC law, refuses to pay
A southwestern Ontario woman has received an $8,400 bill from a hospital in Windsor, Ont., after she refused to put her mother in a nursing home she hated -- and she says she has no intention of paying it.
Debate on abortion rights erupts on Parliament Hill, Poilievre vows he won't legislate
A Conservative government led by Pierre Poilievre would not legislate on, nor use the notwithstanding clause, on abortion, his office says, as anti-abortion protesters gather on Parliament Hill.
Justin and Hailey Bieber are expecting their first child together
Hailey and Justin Bieber are going to be parents. The couple announced the news on Thursday on Instagram, both sharing a video that showcases Hailey Bieber's growing belly.
Here are the ultraprocessed foods you most need to avoid, according to a 30-year study
Studies have shown that ultraprocessed foods can have a detrimental impact on health. But 30 years of research show they don’t all have the same impact.
New 'Lord of the Rings' film coming in 2026
The Oscar-winning team behind the nearly US$6 billion blockbuster 'Lord of the Rings' and 'The Hobbit' trilogies is reuniting to produce two new films.