It was beginning to seem like the violence occurring at rallies organized by Rural Alberta Against Racism (RAAR) were escalating but this weekend, the organization was able to hold two relatively peaceful events in Lacombe and Red Deer.

Over the past couple of weeks, the organization has been met with violence from groups of counter-protesters with opposing views.

On Saturday October 3rd, the group held a community conversation outside of the Lacombe Memorial Centre which saw over 50 people in attendance.

“I think a lot of people learned a lot of things that they didn't know before.  I'm just really encouraged. I think our team did fantastic keeping people out and keeping the peace,” said Kisha Daniels, Co-Founder of Rural Alberta Against Racism.

RAAR has a few members that act as security at their events to keep the speakers and those attending safe from disruption and violence. The group also sawcooperation with the Lacombe Police Service and the City of Lacombe.

“The police also were very good. They helped out. They helped keep the peace. Coming here we were scared but we were also super excited and hopeful. We prepare for the worst but we hope for the best,” said Callum Daniels, Co-Organizer of Rural Alberta Against Racism and Kisha’s son.

The organization had been preparing for their Community Conversation in Lacombe since early September in cooperation with the City of Lacombe. One small group of counter protesters of around 10 people did attend the event, but they were ignored by the crowd in attendance.

Lacombe Police Service, and RAAR security members keep counter-protesters away from the event.

The group still feels nervous about hosting events, but was glad to have an undisrupted platform to speak out against racism.  Heading into the Peace Walk which was held on  Sunday, October 4th, the group was feeling optimistic.

“Red Deer has a lot of work to do. It's going to be quite a process, but we have a good group of people and even local organizations that want to fight for equity and equality.  I feel like with all of these racialized voices actually getting uplifted for once there is going to be a really strong possibility (for change). I feel very hopeful for the future of the direction that we're going,” said Cheryl Jamie, a Member of Red Deer Against Racism.

Before the Peace Walk in Red Deer on Sunday, October 4th, City of Red Deer Mayor Tara Veer issued a statement that read, “While The City upholds Canada’s constitutionally protected rights to peacefully assemble, I want to strongly reiterate that we do not accept or condone any level of violence or racism in our city.”

The statement followed the last event held by Red Deer Against Racism on September 20th where a video of an assault that took place at the rally made waves on social media. Callum Daniels and Cheryl Jamie were not encouraged by the statement.

“She mentions that everyone has the right to their voice, once again. I just feel like they're not taking a big enough stand on hate speech because we have gotten death threats. We have had terrible insults thrown at us at these events which are classified as hate speech under the Criminal Code,” said Callum.

Hundreds of people from Central Alberta turned out for Red Deer’s Peace Walk proving that Red Deer is more than the alleged hate crimes that occurred weeks ago.  Jamie says addressing racism in Red Deer and the greater Central Alberta area will be a long process but it is one that she and her colleagues are thoroughly committed to.