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Solidarity march supports those who face racial discrimination

Last Updated Jun 2, 2020 at 12:02 pm MDT

An illustration of George Floyd is affixed to the window of a vacant building Tuesday, May 26, 2020, near where he was detained by police officers in Minneapolis. Floyd died after being restrained by Minneapolis police officers on Memorial Day. A video taken by a bystander shows a Minneapolis police officer with his knee on the neck of a man in custody who later died. The four officers involved have been fired. (Evan Frost/Minnesota Public Radio via AP)

A solidarity march has been planned for Saturday, June 6.

An organizer of the event said it’s in direct response to the current climate in the United States following the death of George Floyd.

Floyd was killed on May 25 after a Minneapolis police officer pressed his knee into the back of his neck for minutes.

Another organizer said the march, which is meant to be peaceful, is to support those who face racial discrimination.

“Racism and police brutality continues to be an issue in the U.S. as well as Canada and we want to come together with other Fort Mac folks to announce that we won’t tolerate this and are dedicated to making a change.”

While one of their posts on Instagram suggests “All cops are [expletive]”, both organizers said they’re position on the ACAB movement isn’t a hateful one, but about systematic issues.

“It’s definitely a responsibility of police officers to keep their fellow police officers in check. It’s kind of a call out to everyone that they need to do better at making sure that everybody is being a good cop and doing their job properly.”

The peaceful event will include guest speakers who will discuss the struggle black people face and the Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women epidemic.

COVID-19 guidelines will be in place, including the need to wear a face mask and physical distancing.

If you’re not able to make the march, but still want to show your support you can watch YMM March social media accounts for links to donate.

Those interested in volunteering will help ensure the safety of participants by keeping them off the roads and ensuring COVID-19 guidelines are followed.

You can join the march at Jubilee Plaza, 9909 Franklin Ave. at 12 p.m.