There weren’t thousands of people lining McRae Street like were seen in Toronto, Vancouver, Washington, D.C., and others but the mix of about 25 young adults and high school students sent a clear message -- Black Lives Matter.
Nineteen-year-old Alexandra Vander Maaten led a contingent of young adults who led a small and civil rally, with participants carrying signs which read: We Demand CHANGE All Lives Matter When Black Lives Matter!!!, for example.
It coincided with rallies across the world which have taken place since George Floyd was choked to death by Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin on May 25.
Chauvin knelt across the 46-year-old Floyd’s throat for close to nine minutes. The victim uttering that he couldn’t breathe several times.
Those words were ignored.
Around the globe, protesters are standing up against police violence against minorities — particularly in the United States — but police brutality incidents have certainly happened in Canada as well.
They weren’t taking a stand against Okotoks law enforcement — in fact organizers let authorities know they planned to have the rally.
The dignified — and physically distanced rally — served notice the young people are watching and taking notice.
They were noticed.
The rally received honks of support and the odd one-finger salute and barbs from those not supporting the rally.
Hey, take a stand and you have to take the odd jab — even if it is from ridiculous folks who still have the right to voice their opinions.
The rally was a refreshing stand from young people who care about theirs — and Canada’s —future.
It was a small effort, but combined with similar rallies around the world, here’s hoping it will make a difference.
