Hundreds take part in Beachers for Black Lives March, calling for an overdue end to racism

Sapphira Charles leads the Beachers for Black Lives march from the boardwalk into Kew Gardens on Saturday, June 14, 2020.ing systemic oppression and the necessity for justice.

In the midst of anti-racism movements across the world, Beach community members marched today in acknowledgement of on-going systemic oppression and the necessity for justice.

Individuals, families and friends came together behind Williamson Road Junior Public School this afternoon, with an array of colourful posters, signs and shirts expressing their desires for structural reform and societal change.

Sapphira Charles, the march's organizer made a passionate statement to the assembled group before taking to the route.

"As Beachers for Black Lives. As allies. We add our voices to the call for justice for black people around the world. Wherever they live."

Sapphira Charles leads the Beachers for Black Lives march from the boardwalk into Kew Gardens on Saturday June 14, 2020.

Charles has lived in the Beach for 10 years and recently started the Beachers for Black Lives group as a means to bring awareness to anti-black racism, create a platform and a safe space for black Beachers to share their stories and voices and provide resources for allies.

Beaches-East York MPP, Dr. Rima Berns-McGown also made a heartfelt statement to the crowd behind Williamson PS.

Berns-McGown shared her own lived experiences as a mixed-race woman from growing up in Apartheid-era South Africa to now living in Toronto and her understanding of the need for serious reform and change.

Dr. Rima Berns-McGown, MPP for Beaches-East-York speaks to a crowd of protestors behind Williamson Road Public School on Saturday, June 14, 2020.

From the meeting point behind Williamson Road Jr. PS, the group marched down Glen Manor Drive to the beach and along the boardwalk before ending up at Kew Gardens, collecting more and more people along the way.

Marchers chanted and cheered, "No Justice. No Peace. Black Lives Matter!" over and over and those chants were met with cheers, car horns, bike bells, applause and admiration from onlookers along the route.

Upon arriving at Kew Gardens, Charles took to the stage of the Alex Christie Bandstand along with several other black community members and leaders whose stories and voices were met with applause, cheers, and tears.

Sean Manners, former Green Party candidate for Beaches-East York speaks to a crowd of people in Kew Gardens on Saturday, June 14, 2020.

Though some people who call the Beach home wouldn't think that systemic racism, prejudice and bias exist here, this presence of over 200 people acknowledges that this community is not immune to marginalization.

"They may believe this because they have not experienced it or seen it," Charles said. "I do believe this community is not exempt from those things. I for one was not immune from racist experiences here in the Beaches."

Inspired by her late father, Clayton Alcendor Charles, a black rights activist in Toronto since the 1960s, Charles understands the importance of speaking up herself and fighting for those who cannot.

"My dad was courageous and stood up for many," Charles said. "I am doing what I’m doing because of him and because he shaped and molded me into the woman that I am today. Our work is not done yet."

A black person in Toronto is about 20 times more likely to be shot and killed by police than a white person, according to a 2018 race and policing report from the Ontario Human Rights Commission.

In 2016, black people made up 8.8 percent of Toronto's population, while being 'grossly overrepresented' in violent police interactions.

From 2013-2017, Toronto's black population made up the following statistics: