Protestors gather at Town Hall in BLM peaceful demonstration

Written By PAULA BROWN

Over a hundred protestors marched through the streets of Shelburne on Sunday (June 14) as part of a Black Lives Matter protest – one of many that have swept the nation in a stance against racism. 

“What we have seen in towns and in cities across North America, and what we are witnessing right here today, I believe, is evidence of a major sea-change,” said Shelburne Mayor Wade Mills, addressing the crowd outside Town Hall. “We've seen demonstrations in the past, but to me this really feels different this time and I think all of you know what I'm talking about.”

The crowd of protestors started the peaceful demonstration at the Centre Dufferin Recreation Complex and made their way to Shelburne Town Hall.  Organizers Shyanne Ricci and Hailey McLarty lead the march, carrying a sign that read “Shelburne Stands Together”. 

Ricci and McLarty both spoke to the crowd before the march, touching on their reasons for organizing the event. 

“We started this to show that the Town of Shelburne, as a community, will acknowledge the racism and hateful acts taking pace in the world, as well as showing full support for those affected by racism and promoting the need for change,” said Ricci. 

“Some of us might not be subjected to racism on a personal level, but that does not mean that it is not happening in our community and others every single day,” said McLarty. 

Some protestors carried signs written with messages such as “Black Lives Matter” and “Shelburne United”, while others could be heard chanting “no justice, no peace, no racist police” and “hands up, don't shoot” as the crowd made its way down Owen Sound St. 

Timshell Samuels, who walked in the protest with her family, spoke with the Free Press about the significance of the demonstration to her and her family. Having a family of “all different colours”, as she describes, the march has allowed them to see that “black lives are important and significant to the people around us.” 

Standing outside Town Hall the crowd followed a call and response chant of “no justice, no peace” and “black lives matter”. Cars driving by also took the time to honk in support of the movement. 

Mayor Wade Mills, Deputy Mayor Steve Anderson, and local pastor Jay Wagstaff spoke to gathered protestors. The speeches touched on the need for further action, the acknowledgment to be better and Shelburne's role in the movement for justice. 

“It's hard to stand here and not be overcome by emotions when you see the gathering that we see here today,” said Anderson. “The diverse faces, it just reminds me that I'm proud to stand here as your Deputy Mayor, I'm proud to stand here as a black man, and to see the changes that are going to be happening moving forward.” 

After the speeches protestors were given an opportunity to sign their names on the banner that was later given to the Town of Shelburne by Ricci and McLarty.