Rally of ‘love & solidarity’ planned for Uptown Waterloo
Posted Feb 10, 2022 02:29:00 PM.
Set for the end of Family Day holiday, newly established “queer political action group” ActingOut WR has announced plans for an upcoming rally in Uptown Waterloo.
Billed as a day of solidarity and love against racism and bigotry, that event is said to be a response to the “latest wave of white supremacy” seen in the region, as well as the recent 'Freedom Rally' style protests that swept through the region on the first weekend of February.
Kick-starting the initiative is Activist Cait Glasson, establishing the organization with plans to build it with “people of colour, Indigenous people and Black people heavily involved.”
Speaking to CityNews, Glasson said the idea for the February 21 rally came from a recent meeting with prominent grassroots organization GroundUp WR, looking to celebrate the many “neighbours” from both abroad and here in Canada that offer their own unique experiences, cultures and viewpoints that make the nation stronger as a country.
“I think that's the point we want to get across,” said Glasson. “It's an anti-racism rally but it's also a rally of love & solidarity.”
While Glasson may be the driving force behind ActingOut WR, she said she has “no intention” of being the leader of the organization, hoping that the initiative will eventually be led by a young person of colour.
“It's not really about being a leader of the group – it's more … I wanted to focus a group that will have as its primary focus, queer issues, but which will be an ally to all the other groups that are seeking justice or seeking sovereignty in the local area.”
That collaborative work has apparently already begun, as Glasson said discussions have begun with GroundUp regarding some form of “central store” of protest materials – including Bristol board, markers, high visibility vests and sticks for signs – to be made available to other community organizations that may need the resources.
When asked why she felt the planned rally was necessary, Glasson said both Canada and Waterloo Region have a “white supremacy problem”, and while she praised the work of local governance in responding to “surface incidents” of hate in the community, she said there is some concern with a lack of representation on elected and regional council.
“I think we need to deconstruct white supremacy on a much deeper level and start asking ourselves why we're not seeing brilliant Black people that we have locally rise to leadership positions in this community.” said Glasson. “Why aren't there any Asian leaders in our community? Why aren't there any Indigenous leaders in our community? We're situated on Native land; this is the Haldimand Tract: we should be paying rent in the first place … but even if we're not, why is it we have no Indigenous people among our leaders?”
While NDP Candidate for Cambridge has already agreed to join the rally as MC, Glasson said the work continues in attracting other guest speakers for the late February event. While Glasson has been collecting donations for the initiative, she noted fundraising has already covered the expenses for the rally, leaving ActingOut WR in “good shape”.
“I think it's really important that we have something positive that people can experience around the racialized people in our community.” said Glasson. “I want everybody to be able to experience that and to recognize the strength that we have in diversity – and how much better a country we are for having people from everywhere here.”
