During the evening of Friday, June 19th, approximately 200 people gathered at the Lacombe Memorial Centre to make a stand against racism inspired by the protests going on around the world for the Black Lives Matter movement. 

Many locals were able to speak about their experiences of racism in the Lacombe area advocating for change and education peacefully. Those attending were not met with much backlash and were able to convey their experiences effectively. 

“I have never had the chance to use my voice for any reason. I have been taught from a young age to not speak. It’s always let the white man rule over me. I’ve just been told to be quiet be a token Indigenous person and just carry on,” said Alden Boysos, a speaker at the event. 

Boysos is inspired by his children to fight against racism to give them a better world to live in. 

“I have twins about two years old. Their birthday was about 10 days and now they’re two. I don’t want to have a future like this for my kids. I want them to grow up in a country and a province where everyone is equal, no one is hating, there is love, and positivity,” explained Boysos. 

Alden Boysos addresses the crowd at the LMC.

Boysos asks those who see racism to take action to stop it. He believes hate-fueled actions are often overlooked or simply videotaped when greater action can take place. 

“When you see racism, stop it. Don’t just stand there videotaping it. I’ve seen a lot of it on Youtube and as an Indigenous person, especially with things happening here in Canada. Don’t just stand there, step in, and do something. We’re better than this. It’s 2020, It’s not the 50’s or the 60’s or the 30’s. I have kids. I don’t want my kids to be watching someone get beat up just because they are different. They deserve to know love, happiness, and unity. I think Canada can be better, it should be better, and I really hope it will be better,” said Boysos. 

Boysos has spoken at a couple of protests throughout Central Alberta and says his nine siblings have been nothing short of supportive for his activism. 

“They’re Indigenous and they all live on the reservation so where they come from which is Maskwacis and close to Wetaskiwin. Racism is a part of life there. When they came out and they watched me I felt proud and happy. They told me that they were proud of their big brother standing up and doing something about this,” said Boysos. 

Boysos was overwhelmed by the opportunity to use his voice to draw attention to societal issues that he feels must change. After weeks of protesting, he is starting to feel heard throughout Alberta. 

“I am emotional because I never thought I would ever be allowed to see something like this happen in my lifetime. I am so used to negativity, racism, bigotry all the time. Seeing this, I go home and I am like ‘Oh my God, this is actually happening,” said Boysos. 

He was joined by Cheryl Baptiste, Pastor Lyle Notice, Asia Watson Bizzel, a group of local youth and others. Organizers from Ubuntu Mobilizing Central Albertans, Dieulita Datus and Saadia Khan also spoke during the event and were quite happy with how it turned out. Following the speeches, those attending were able to debrief by either dancing in the park or grabbing a slice of pizza from the Moe’s Pizza pop up tent.  

Dieuleta Datus addresses the crowd at the LMC.

Datus noted that she saw instantaneous support. 

“I think it’s amazing. We’re dancing but there was also some heartache. I just had a young person come up to me and say ‘Hey can I steal a moment of your time,’ to let me know that when they were in school that their friend said the ‘N’ word. They said it too but they wanted to apologize to the community and say ‘Hey, I was late to understanding what this meant.’ Even though it wasn’t directed to me. To me, that’s such a huge step. That’s what this is for,” explained Datus. 

Khan wanted to bring Lacombe a peaceful event to quell rumours and negative messages about the movement. Overall, she was thankful to be well received by the community. 

“It’s the community members who carry it. It’s the community members that say this is our issue and our community. We want you to come, we want to organize with you, and what this looks like. It’s the community members that are recognizing systemic racism that exists. We’re not immune to it, no one is immune to it,” said Khan. 

Khan noted that Ubuntu Mobilizing Central Alberta will be organizing more protests against racism in Blackfalds, Camrose, and Olds areas. She and many others look forward to the prospect of keeping the message of anti-racism alive.