Each year, we here at rabble ask our readers: “What are the organizations that inspire you? Who are the people leading progressive change? Who are the rabble rousers to watch?” Every year, your responses introduce us to a new group of inspiring activists. This is our ‘rabble rousers to watch’ series. Follow our rabble rousers to watch here.
We’re kicking off our ‘rabble rousers to watch’ list of 2023 with a powerhouse activist in New Brunswick. Matthew Martin is the executive director of Black Lives Matter New Brunswick. We spoke with Martin about his work promoting racial equity on the east coast and what inspires him to keep going.
A conversation with Matthew Martin
rabble.ca: Can you tell us about the work that you’re doing with your organization?
Matthew Martin: Black Lives Matter New Brunswick (BLMNB) focuses on empowering Black communities and dismantling systemic barriers that our Black communities face. Currently, we have been working with our New Brunswick school districts on educating students and staff about racism and systemic racism, and providing critical resources to teachers to help them talk about racism and to be critical about the systems that have been built by colonization. BLMNB, with community partners, has also established a youth program that has had a significant impact on Black youths and their families across the province.
Alongside these initiatives, BLMNB advocates for the inclusion of Black History into the New Brunswick School curriculums, a public inquiry into systemic racism in New Brunswick and the criminalization of racial discrimination. Furthermore, BLMNB advocates for Black community members when they face injustices.
rabble.ca: How did you first get involved in activism?
MM: My involvement with activism started with the murder of George Floyd. With the death of George Floyd, I wanted to start getting more involved with my community and to be more vocal about inequities that exist for Black Community members. This pushed me into beginning to stand up against racial injustices in my community and the eventual creation of Black Lives Matter New Brunswick.
rabble.ca: What does being nominated as a ‘rabble rouser to watch’ mean to you?
MM: I am humbled to be nominated as a ‘rabble rouser.’ I hope this nomination stems from the impacts that Black Lives Matter New Brunswick has made in our province.
rabble.ca: How do you take care of yourself and find the drive to keep going?
MM: My time with my family is very important. I try to make the most of every moment I can with them. They make me feel refueled and refreshed. The drive to keep going is renewed everyday. Everyday is a new day and I see that as an opportunity to make a difference.
rabble.ca: What is one goal you have in the next year?
MM: My goal is for racial discrimination to become a punishable offense in the court of law.
rabble.ca: What do you wish people knew about the work you do?
MM: The work I and Black Lives Matter New Brunswick serves to empower our Black community and to build a province that is free of racial inequities.
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Nick Seebruch, editor
