I had the privilege this past weekend to be a part of something incredible!
This privilege was, as unearned as all the privilege I enjoy, but at least this privilege was shared amongst all walks of life for once!
Who provided this privilege, you ask?
Why, the marginalised, who provided every other privilege my life has enjoyed, whether I took advantage of them or not! The difference is that this privilege came from the love in their hearts, instead of upon the backs of their oppression!
If I can take anything away from the protest I attended, it is in the lesson of a patient, strong black man who had such a calm purpose in addressing the very few who came to attempt to goad peaceful people into the hatred they themselves are awash in.
It was perhaps one of the most hopeful moments of the protest to me because it demonstrated that even the most ignorant opinion can be de-escalted by calm reason and thoughtful conversation!
It was a lesson I will fully learn and try to incorporate into my method.
I was embraced by people who only ask for what democracy promises but has yet to supply! Justice, for all.
There was no want for retribution or retaliation, even though my ancestors and therefore me were responsible for their plight! No screams of rage even towards those who came to agitate!
Yes, we all stood and declared ‘Black Lives Matter’ to drown out their chants that mean nothing, until black, indigenous, LGBTQ and every other marginalized life MATTERS, but it was done with a shared love to try to get through to them!
No physical force, no suggestions of violence - just love!
Innisfail learned that these protests are not violent or misguided, but a pulpit for voices to be heard!
Let’s put aside skin tone, time and preconceived thinking just for a moment because I would like you all to realize an essential truth!
These are the same voices that cried for freedom and fought for democracy.
The same voices that have echoed countless times throughout history in hopes of a better world for them, their children and all future generations!
They are the voices of many people our society holds in venerated regard! Why are they not as important? They are without question even more important because these voices have been waiting patiently for the promise of democracy, while surrounded by people who DO enjoy every privilege that came at their cost!
If I can hope for anything, it is this.
I hope my community takes some time to examine the history we were taught and to be honest with themselves about the lack of truth, therein.
I hope my community takes the challenge set out by other communities to invite these voices in and to listen carefully to what they are saying! I hope the leaders of our community are every bit as much leaders as the fine, young gentlemen who came with the women who formed UBUNTU, a group very active in Central Alberta and just as committed to democracy’s essential tenent - justice for all!
Above all, I hope people everywhere begin to live the ideals that guarantee our justice, so those guarantees apply to ALL!
Isn’t it the one duty of any citizen of a democracy to uphold the tenets of democracy after all?
Morgan Burchell
Castor