Hundreds of protesters took to the streets of Chilliwack on Friday afternoon, speaking out against racism.
The Chilliwack Black Lives Matter March began at Chilliwack secondary at about 4 p.m., and moved its way down Yale Road before turning off toward Central Community Park. At the park, a lineup of speakers were expected to address the crowd.
The majority of protestors carried signs and wore masks. For those who arrived without them, masks were being given out by the Chilliwack RCMP. The police also were on hand for traffic control. The City of Chilliwack closed off the area surrounding the march route just prior to its start.
READ MORE: Racism wasn’t dealt with properly by school, says Chilliwack graduate
Protesters also carried all manners of signs, from Black Lives Matter to George Floyd and messages about inclusion.
The march was led by 17-year-old Leandra Soleil and her friends, who worked with the City and the RCMP to ensure the event would remain safe for the community.
As they marched, the group chanted “no justice, no peace,” a common refrain in marches across the world since the death of George Floyd while in police custody in Minneapolis.
Another group is holding a protest on Saturday, June 6 at Five Corners downtown Chilliwack. That begins at 3 p.m.
More to come.
READ MORE: Chilliwack council supporting protests against racism
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