Sudbury rallies in support of Black Lives Matter

This is a time to learn lessons, LU student says A Laurentian University student says every person of colour has a moment when they realize some people see them as monsters.

Sudbury — It was a group of all races, genders and ages on Wednesday as hundreds of people came together to show their support for the Black Lives Matter movement.

"I'm out here as a minority, born and raised in Sudbury as an Egyptian Canadian," said 19-year-old Malek Abou-Rabia. "I've been facing discrimination my entire life and a lot of my peers on campus and otherwise have as well. This is just the right thing to do."

Signs with different messages were held up in support of change -- some members of Greater Sudbury Police took part, including Chief Paul Pedersen.

"I'm here to support the community and show that racism has to come to an end," said 19-year-old Mary Malundu.

Others were there to help be an extra voice to those in need.

"I believe that racism and discrimination, it's taught," said Norah Cavallin, 18. "You aren't born knowing that or feeling that way and so I feel like that needs to be voiced."

Darah Tremblay, 18, said she was there "for people that don't have a voice. I want to be that voice for them so that they don't feel silent."

One of the organizers, TiCarra Paquet was there for a personal reason. Her cousin, Regis Korchinski-Paquet, died in Toronto on May 27. Her family says she died due to police brutality.

"Honestly, I believe that this shouldn't have even happened," said Paquet. "As Canadians, we pride ourselves on being this multicultural, very diverse, inclusive society. However, we exist within systematic discrimination itself."

The protest started in Memorial Park before the group marched down Brady Street to the Bridge of Nations, with the help of a police escort.

"If you are a person of colour, if you're black, Indigenous or otherwise, we're here for you," said Abou-Rabia.

Protesters said they are hopeful these type of demonstrations will make a difference and that there will be more in the city.