The second ‘Black Lives Matter’ rally in a week was held at the Saskatchewan Legislative Building Friday. Hundreds of people gathered to demand change and the end to systemic racism in North America.
Prominent Regina figures like Police Chief Evan Bray and Mayor Michael Fougere joined protesters and spoke to the crowd addressing how they are going to help stop racism.
Bray says that the conversation around racism is a tough, but important conversation for RPS to have, adding that it was important for him to take part in the rally.
“This is an important time to listen,” said Bray. “It’s not about being defensive, it’s not about being frustrated as a police service, it’s about understanding that there are challenges in this community, some of which the police are directly involved in. As I said this morning, I recognize that I have white privilege, and while I can’t change that, what I can do is use that in a positive way.”
Bray says that racism is alive and well in both Canada, and the United States, adding that even the Regina Police Service isn’t immune to it.
“There is racism within our police service, I’m confident of that,” said Bray. “We spend a lot of time and effort to try and make sure that we train and educate our members so that if there is, often times racism is born from ignorance and not understanding. So, whether it be education or use of force training, or de-escalation training, that sort of work has to continue.”
At the end of his speech, Bray and several other RPS officers took a knee to show their support of the ‘Black Lives Matter’ movement.
Regina Mayor Michael Fougere also spoke to the crowd saying he was proud to be a part of the rally, adding that City Council is united against racism in all forms.
Fougere says that being born and raised in Michigan, he was witness to many acts of racism, and he is disturbed that it keeps on happening.
“How many times do we have to have this kind of brutality happen to wake us up that we need to find a solution and work together?” asked Fougere. “This is about listening to people, listening to their aspirations, listening to desires, and helping people, whoever they are.”
He says that the city’s employment policy is one way they are trying to eliminate racism in Regina, but they need to better.
“There’s many things we’re doing but we have to do better,” said Fougere. “Our policies are inclusive foe everyone, all of our policies, all of our programs and services are open to everyone equally, and at all times. Those things, I think, a re a good basis for it, but could we do better? Absolutely we can do better.”
Another ‘Black Lives Matter’ rally is scheduled for Sunday, June 7th.