Calgary group Stand Up YYC is demanding justice over police-involved shootings in the U.S.
Dozens of people took part in a peaceful march along 17th Avenue S.W. on Sunday afternoon, organized by a local couple.
“We're not going to stand for the police brutality and police violence that I can see slowly trickling here from the United States and so on and so forth, it’s a worldwide issue,” said Maurice Mason of Stand Up YYC. “I've felt it, I know what it’s like to be thrown in the back of a cop car, questioned repeatedly for nothing, I have no idea.”
The rally falls on the two year anniversary of the death of Eric Garner, who died after being placed in a choke hold by police in New York City. It follows the more recent deaths of Philandro Castile and Alton Sterling, both victims of police-involved shootings in the U.S.
Organizers say they are also honouring the police officers killed in Dallas.
“There doesn't need to be any more murder and murder on both sides, no killing cops, no killing innocent people, this doesn't need to happen anymore,” said Tina Mason, Stand Up YYC.
Similar rallies were held across Canada on Sunday. Local organizers say they want people to know their voices can be heard without violence, and with a multi-cultural crowd, supporters say this is not just a black issue.
