On a warm, sunny evening on June 01, Halifax added its voice to international protest against police brutality toward Black people. In the US mainly, as the protest were sparked by heinous execution of George Floyd by police in Minneapolis, but sadly also here. Halifax is the next main Canadian city to organize such protest, after clashes day earlier in Montreal, peaceful protests in Toronto, Calgary and Vancouver.

For many reason Halifax is perhaps the most important for such protest in Canada. Nova Scotia is, after all, the true home of Canadian Black settlement. Going all the way to the end of XVIII and beginning of XIX century. And to long years of racist attitudes toward the community.  Nova Scotian’s of African descent created here vibrant life and amazing connection to the land. ( I have written here, on this blog, about their history on January 29, 2020, if you would like to know more about that fascinating subject. The two-piece essay in mainly in Polish, but with an extensive English summary and many photographs)

They have, particularly in Halifax, their own share of grievances against local municipal Police Force and their racist attitude. It led a year ago to an appointment of new Police Chief from  outside of Nova Scotia and promise of new policies.

But today it was different. It was hopeful, angry at times perhaps but generally uplifting. Yes, under the main theme “Black people’s lives matter’. And it matters because Black people lives are rich and beautiful. Because their lives are part of our lives. Because they are PEOPLE. Like you and me.  And we, white folks, are awakening to that single, powerful truth. That a mother or father should never fear that the worst that might happen to their child could be an encounter with Police officer. They should never train them how to react, how to be at their utmost best and polite to a fault when talking to a policeman.  Or they might not survive that encounter. And it is still a reality to them.  Old habits and way of doing things die hard. But, by God! die they must and the sooner the better for all of us.

As you will notice on the photographs I have taken today – a majority of folks taking part in this beautiful protest were not Black but white and other colours. That speaks volumes. Good volumes. The change is here.  Let her come and welcome with open arms. Just about time.