Amidst the news of Africville reparations and a cross burning in Hants County, a rally against racism moved through downtown Halifax yesterday.
Between 40 and 50 people, both black and white, took place in the march, waving signs and chanting demands for equality. The demonstration was to highlight an alleged lack of action on human rights complaints.
It ended in front of city hall where Mayor Peter Kelly came out to the crowd to listen to organizer Charlie Adams speak on a megaphone.
“Mr. Mayor we have come together today to request change from you, to help us,” said Adams.
“Understand that your constituents are hurting. Understand that we have seen this all before with our forefathers.”
Adams, a city building official, filed a human rights complaint two years ago alleging nepotism, favouritism and discrimination at his workplace.
Adams said he hopes the rally will result in “more awareness to the injustices that are done every day and just a human awareness of people and the feelings of people.”
Kelly then gave a brief address to the crowd.
“We know that we have work to do. Nobody’s perfect but we strive to be an inclusive workplace and we’ll continue to do the best job that we can to make sure that it’s full and complete,” he said.
Several members of the crowd thanked Kelly for coming out to speak to them.
Many participants in the march said the mood was affected by the news of a cross burning outside the home of a black man and white woman near Windsor.
“It does change the tone,” said Tammy Dixon, who brought her baby along to the march.
“It’s a shame that that gentleman, Mr. Howe, now has to live in fear in his own home … it puts a bad taste in your mouth that this is still going on, and not just in Nova Scotia but all over the world.”
