Activists spanning trade unions, religious and political groups are convening Saturday, March 24, for a rally that will span the Downtown Eastside and Chinatown.
The International Day Against Racism and Bigotry March begins at 1 p.m. near Thornton Park and continues until 5 p.m.
“The march and rally in Vancouver is coming together in a united effort in Vancouver to fight all forms of racism, bigotry and oppression with the recent growth of white supremacist and ultrarational groups in Metro Vancouver,” rally organizer Imtiaz Popat said in a news release. “The white supremacist hate propaganda has not only been racist, but also sexist, hetrosexist, transexist, ableist and classist.”
Last year’s march was marred by confrontations between rally participants and members of the Soldiers of Odin. Video from the incident shows a brief physical confrontation between the two groups.
Three people were arrested, though no charges were laid.
Last year’s event appeared to attract less than 100 people, though the Facebook event page for this year’s rally suggests more than 1,000 people will attend.
Academics and activists will speak over the course of the day, which is meant to coincide with International Day for the Elimination of Racism. The United Nations’ general assembly established the event to mark to the death of 69 protesters in South Africa on March 21, 1960.
Popat says the event is supported by a large cross section of groups and political interests: the Vancouver District Labour Council, CUPE, the BC Government and Service Employees’ Union, the B.C. Teachers’ Federation and the Vancouver Pride Society, among others.
The event’s Facebook page is asking attendees to turn off their cellphones and not wear any fragrances. More info is online at facebook.com/events/488460141509665.
