Photo: Krystalline Kraus

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The Black Lives Matter campaign has had a few demonstration and teach-ins in Toronto as it is connected to the larger Black Lives Matter movement.

For example, a From Toronto to Baltimore rally was held in Toronto on May 2, 2015, in support of the Freddy Gray family. 

In response to the death of Freddy Gray while in Baltimore Police custody and the subsequent charges levied against the six officers who were in contact with him when he was injured, All Black Lives Matter rallies occurred across the globe including Toronto in May of this year.

The death of Freddy Gray was unfortunately one tragic event in a string of events that point to his death at the hands of police as not being a random, non-politicized encounter, but further evidence that racism with police forces across North America is endemic and not easily “cured.”

Freddy Gray (aged 25) was an African-America male who died in hospital on April 19, 2015 from injuries to his spinal cord which allegedly occurred during/after his arrest on April 12, 2015.

Family supporters contend that Gray suffered a spinal cord injury while inside a police transport van after he was arrested for an illegal switchblade weapon.

(Former) Police Commissioner of the Baltimore Police Department, Anthony Batts reported that, contrary to department policy, the officers did not secure him inside the van while transporting him to the police station.

The medical investigation into Gray’s injuries while in police custody found that Gray had sustained the injuries while in transport.

It’s important to note that the policy for inmate transport had been put into effect six days prior to Gray’s arrest, following review of other transport-related injuries sustained during police custody in the city, and elsewhere in the country during the preceding years.

It was approximately a forty-minute ride in the back of a prisoner transport van where it is alleged he was purposely not buckled in as a form of punishment at the hands of the Baltimore Police.

On April 21, 2015, pending an investigation of the incident, six Baltimore police officers were temporarily suspended with pay.

U.S. Attorney General Loretta Lynch announced on May 8, 2015, that the Department of Justice would conduct a review of the current practices of Baltimore Police Department due to a “serious erosion of public trust”, in relation to the circumstances of Gray’s death.

The review took effect immediately, and focused on allegations that Baltimore Police Department‘s (B.P.D.) officers use excessive force, including deadly force, conduct unlawful searches, seizures or arrests, and engage in discriminatory policing.

Baltimore’s medical examiner report ruled Gray’s death to be a homicide, paving the way for the state’s attorney for Baltimore City, Marilyn J. Mosby, to file criminal charges on May 1, 2015, against the six police officers involved: Officer Caesar R. Goodson Jr., Officers Garrett E. Miller, Officer, Edward M. Nero, Officer William G. Porter, Lt. Brian W. Rice and Sgt. Alicia D. White.

It was also found that no crime had been committed by Freddie Gray as the pocket knife he was carrying and was arrested for was of legal size.

Mosby acknowledged that, “Mr. Gray suffered a severe and critical neck injury as a result of being handcuffed, shackled by his feet and unrestrained inside the B.P.D. wagon,”

Gray’s death triggered wide spread demonstrations across the globe and furthered the message that #BlackLivesMatter.

In Toronto, Black Lives Matter and Toronto Rape Crisis Centre/Multicultural Women Against Rape, are getting together to host the 35th Annual Take Back the Night rally. The rally is scheduled for Saturday September 26, 2015 staring at 6:00 pm at Scadding Court Community Centre, 707 Dundas St. West.

The rally, “speaks to the experiences of Black women (in particular Black trans women and sex workers) experiencing sexual violence as a tool of police brutality and genocide. Join us as we stand in solidarity against police brutality and violence towards all Black people.”

EVENT DETAILS:

6pm- COMMUNITY FAIR AND SHEA BUTTER GIVE AWAY:
Check out tables from Black organizations in Toronto. Get resources on mental health support, rites of passage, Black focused education, supports for Black *LGBTT2IQQ people.

Bring a container and get some free whipped shea butter made on-site

6pm-9:30pm- HEALING RAGE SPACE:
Toronto based Black healers will offer sessions in-kind. Get a free massage, spiritual counseling, reiki treatment, bowen therapy, womb work etc. Healers will prioritize Black identified clients on a first come/first serve basis. Share stories on the “Survivor Stories” wall or write back to other peoples’ stories. Active listeners will be present.

6pm-10pm- BLACK LIVES MATTER CHILDRENS’ ACTIVITIES:
Young freedom fighters: Write chants, form a chant squad, learn to play hand drums, eat patties and juice, make your own music videos.

7pm-7:45pm- TRANSFORMATIVE JUSTICE DEMONSTRATION STAGE:
Learn about possibilities for dealing with crisis without relying on police. ASL Provided.

7:45-8:30pm RALLY:
w Patrisse Cullors, co-founder of the #BlackLivesMatter movement. ASL Provided.

8:30pm-10pm MARCH:
ROLL DEEP with us and take back the night for Black Lives!

*Photo by krystalline kraus of a Freddy Gray solidarity rally for #BlackLivesMatter.

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Krystalline Kraus

krystalline kraus is an intrepid explorer and reporter from Toronto, Canada. A veteran activist and journalist for rabble.ca, she needs no aviator goggles, gas mask or red cape but proceeds fearlessly...