Posters torn, memorial burned, but anti-racism protesters in Abbotsford steadfast

ABBOTSFORD (NEWS 1130) – Anti-racism protesters and allies in Abbotsford say they won’t be stopped by vandals.

In recent weeks, posters have been torn down and after last weekend’s solidarity rally, a memorial was damaged and apparently lit on fire.

Social media posts suggest it was a Girl Guide who put Black Lives Matter posters up — and she isn’t standing for the vandalism that’s taken place, having already replaced them.

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It comes as another gathering to speak out against discrimination is planned. The “March Against Systemic Silence” is set to take place along South Fraser Way starting at 7 p.m. on Saturday, in part in response to the vandalism. Participants are being invited to bring artwork, posters, candles and other items for a new installation that will be left at city hall.

“On Friday June 5th, the community of Abbotsford came together for a historic demonstration in solidarity of the BLM unrest in America, and to bring attention to the systemic racism and oppression present in Canada too,” a post on Facebook reads. “At this event, a memorial was put together by the community, with more flowers, art, candles, and love than can be quantified. Overnight, this peaceful memorial was violently defaced and destroyed, with some of the signs being set on fire.”

“Because the memorial is public property, the City of Abbotsford must make the report of vandalism,” the event page says. “The City has also remained remarkably silent throughout the last demonstration, and has not made any public statements. We are urging our community to take action against this silence.”

Organizers say they want the city to specifically condemn the destruction of the memorial and consider installing permanent version to honour Black and Indigenous lives lost in interactions with police.

Mayor Henry Braun issued a statement on Thursday saying “These last few weeks have allowed many of us to step back and reflect on these issues, specifically how they affect Black, Indigenous, and People of Colour (BIPOC) across our communities.

“We are not immune from systemic racism in Canada. As one of the most diverse communities in Canada, we recognize that Abbotsford residents have their own lived experiences and challenges,” he writes, adding, “We stand with our community members and want to work alongside you.”

According to the Fraser Valley Human Dignity Coalition, an Abbotsford group addressing the issues of racism, there has been an increase in the reporting of racist incidents over the last two weeks.

Protests and gatherings were sparked across the country, continent, and parts of the world by the death of George Floyd in Minneapolis more than two weeks ago. The black man died at the hands of police. His death has been a rallying cry for an end to racism and police brutality. Rallies this side of the border have put focus on these issues in Canada, showing this country and its people aren’t immune.