Advertisement

Protest against racism and police brutality in Calgary draws thousands

Thousands of Calgarians joined their voices Wednesday with countless concurrent protests across the globe, marching through the city to speak out against racism and police brutality.

The protests marked the third local protest prompted by the death of George Floyd — a 46-year-old black man who was killed after a white police officer kneeled on his neck for more than eight minutes.

Leah Hennel for CBC News
Leah Hennel for CBC News

Floyd's final words "I Can't Breathe" were chanted by the group as it crossed the 10th Street bridge, along with other phrases such as "No Justice, No Peace" and "Black Lives Matter."

Cecy Gaskin was one protestor who took to the streets on Wednesday to fight against injustice.

"This is beautiful what's happening right now, it's amazing. But I strongly believe that we need to also focus on the injustice that is still happening," Gaskin said. "We're always being broken down by society and we're sick and tired of it."

Elise Von Scheel/CBC
Elise Von Scheel/CBC

The protest began in the Kensington area at 2 p.m. before the main march group moved through downtown and toward city hall. Just before they arrived, a counter-protester wearing a Trump T-shirt was handcuffed and led away by police after he tried to take the protest leader's megaphone.

A protestor was also transported to hospital after falling from a structure and sustaining a head injury.

Traffic throughout the city's downtown core was expected to be impacted throughout the day. Memorial Drive was reopened to traffic around 5 p.m. MT.

A candlelight vigil is anticipated to take place at city hall at approximately 8 p.m.Calgary police estimated somewhere between 1.000 and 2,000 people were participating in the protest. That follows Monday's protest, which saw more than 1,000 Calgarians march from East Village to City Hall.

Another event held in solidarity with the Black Lives Matter movement is scheduled on Saturday, when a vigil will be held at 4 p.m. outside of City Hall.

Leah Hennel for CBC News
Leah Hennel for CBC News
Leah Hennel for CBC News
Leah Hennel for CBC News