Statement from the Mayor on postponement of anti-racism rally

STATEMENT - Distributed June 22, 2021 3:00 PM

On behalf of Nanaimo City Council I wish to express my sincere disappointment in response to the recent postponement of a Resilience BC anti-racism network rally in Nanaimo due to threats of violence.

Anti-racism rallies are not "Anti-White" rallies. As the UN Secretary-General António Guterres’ stated in his "No Place for Racism" speech in 2020, 'racism is a persistent scourge of our world. People’s opportunities for education and employment, and their access to health care and justice, are often determined by their race." As a society, we must accept that unfortunately, even in 2021, racism exists. And, in order to have a future free from racism and hate, we must learn and take actionable steps to end both racism and hate.

We stand with the organizers who are regrouping and reviewing how to best move forward with a future Anti-Racism Car Rally in Nanaimo. In the meantime, I encourage anyone reading this statement to go to: www.resiliencebc.ca to learn how you can be present, supportive and part of the difference in making this world a better place.

Print News Release