A peaceful rally in support of the Black Lives Matter movement is being organized in Courtenay.
It’s scheduled for Saturday from 11:00am to 1:00pm at Simms Park, but could change depending on weather.
Organizer Georgia Rodgers said it could still happen, rain or shine: “We might just go into the pavilion area for the people with signs, just so we could hold the event.”
Rodgers saw that there wasn’t much happening on the island in response to the killing of George Floyd at the hands of a former Minneapolis police officer.
She felt she had the power to be more than just another voice online.
“Yesterday was Blackout Tuesday, and I didn’t feel posting something on Instagram or on Facebook was really enough,” she said. “I had thought about how if somewhere on the island, there was going to be a gathering I would really want to go and then I thought, ‘Why would I wait for someone else to organize it when I’m completely capable of organizing it on my own.”
Rodgers said she will be providing some signs, water bottles and a bottle for donations.
You’re invited “to take a stand against racism and let your voice be heard,” Rodgers said.
She added that you don’t have to stay for the full two hours, but “please consider standing with me.”
Rodgers said even if it’s just her friends and family at the rally, that’s fine with her.
“It’s still better than doing nothing and staying at home,” she said.
You’re asked to practise physical distancing, bring a mask if you own one, and bring your own sign, if possible.
