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An Official BSA Address Regarding The Recent Police Brutality- May 2020


Hello all, 

This statement is in response to the ongoing Police Brutality against Black people, that now more than ever

is deeply affecting our community. Normally, these statements are created to formally address issues for

our membership, but this statement will be different. This statement will be penned to our fellow students,

our community members and the black community, not as a formal letter but as a conversation.


In a time of sadness, grief, anger, whatever you may be feeling at this time, we see you and we hear you. 


First and foremost, The Black Students’ Association extends our heartfelt condolences and comfort to

the families of the deceased at this time. Ahmaud Arbery. Breonna Taylor. Kenneth Walker. D’Andre

Campbell. Sean Reed. Steve Taylor. Tony McDade. George Floyd. Regis Korchinski-Paquet. Say their

names. May all of their souls experience transcendence and peace to a place far better than this. Let their

existence not be in vain. Let us remind those around us their lives will forever matter and will not be

forgotten. We also cannot forget the lives of those who were lost and did not make headlines. The lives of

those that are not on film. The names that remain unknown. May they all experience rest and a sense of

peace.


2020 has been a tough year for everyone. There has been lots of changes in our everyday lives, however,

the only thing that has remained constant is the rampant violence against black people. These past few

months have been filled with the loss of many black lives, including the death of Ahmaud Arbery February

23rd 2020 in Georgia and most recently George Floyd on May 25th 2020 in Minneapolis. Each and every

time that another black life is taken away, it is the demonstration that not only black lives do not matter,

but even worse that the life of a black person is expendable, commodible and devalued. From the 17th

century to the present, the politicization of our skin separates us from being seen as human. It makes us

seen as some kind of threat, even though we all bleed the same blood. 


To make matters even worse, these senseless killings have also occurred within our vicinity. On May 27th

2020, Regis Korchinski-Paquet, an Afro-Indigenous woman was shoved off of her balcony by the Toronto

police, falling to her death. Regis’ senseless death is an unfortunate reminder that violence against the

Black Community is not just an American problem, nor is it just a Canadian problem. Canada is beyond

guilty of hiding behind a “Egalitarian image” that misleads people to believe that Canada is an inclusive

country that has always strived to make room for all people. Except for black people. Anti-Blackness spans

here in Canada and across the globe, there’s no debate on that. For those that believe it is not as big an

issue as it is, think again.


There are so many emotions bubbling inside, we cannot begin to imagine how our community is feeling

at this time. The anger and frustration; how many more lives must be lost? How many more people must

get caught up in a system that was never designed for us and thus will never fight for us? It brings questions

of humanity. What gives you the right? To take life away from another human being that you don’t even

know. These people did nothing but doing a normal everyday task, while being black. It is disheartening to

know that even in 2020, black people can’t go out on a run or safely reside in their homes without

experiencing blatant, deadly racism. 


Though the tragic deaths happened in isolated places, they’re all in the same. They resulted in

beautiful black souls lost to the hands of racist white folks and to a system that was never built for us, but

rather against us. Police Brutality is nothing new. Lynching is nothing new. Violence against the Black

community is nothing new. It’s historical. It is beyond infuriating and hurtful that once more, we must

address our membership and community members about more Black lives taken away from us by the

hands of Police. In this time, the most effective and meaningful way to show up for the black community is

by taking action. Below are some tips for anyone who wants to work proactively, while still staying safe at

home.


Please stop sharing triggering, graphic posts. This includes any content that shows images of video of the
victims experiencing violence in their final moments. Not only is it hard to watch black people dying on
repeat reliving those moments, but further it is in respect for their families. Instead, feel free to spread posts that inform people about these issues and the police brutality that don’t include graphic media. We understand the intent is to spread the word about what is happening, but there are less harmful and highly informative ways of doing so.
Particularly for white folks, use your privilege for good, use your platform to create discourse amongst
your peers, whether they’re ready to hear it or not.Stop asking black folks to explain what's going on over
and over. That request is insensitive and is reopening the deep wounds and personal traumas connected to
black issues.Do your research, it is not and never was the job of black people to constantly be your sources
of education.Google is free. Social media is free and generally accessible. Take the time to surf the web and
educate yourself.


For the non-black folks reading this letter that do not normally speak on black issues: we are tired of seeing

black lives picked off from this earth. We are tired of the radio-silence from your communities, especially

when it is the Black community that always shows up for everyone else. If you truly care and stand with us,

do something about it. Use your platform and take action.

Below is a list of sources that are available to you to read up on what’s going on and find ways you can

help:

Black Lives Matter (BLM) - Here is the Black Lives Matter home website. Here you are able to learn
more about the movement, explaining the mandate behind BLM and how Black people across the globe
are coming together to fight for change for the community. Click here.
Black Lives Matter (BLM) (2) - Another source from the Black Lives Matter movement provides a link
of resources, with suggestions on how you can help support during this time from petitions, donation links,
to how to successfully protest and more. Click here to access the link.
‘Know Your Rights’ Flyer - Climate Justice Toronto created a flyer here, providing tips and information
on how to navigate situations if you or a fellow black person are having interactions with the police,
especially during the pandemic. You can find more information about this group, on their Instagram page,

If you have the means, below are some links you can donate to help support movements as well as funds

helping the families of the deceased.

Ahmaud Arbery -Click here to access the fund page in support of Ahmaud Arbery, who was gunned
down and only got the attention he deserved 6 weeks later. The funds will be used to relieve immediate
financial burden as well and any expenses to help the family during this difficult time.
George Floyd - Here, is the link to George Floyd’s memorial service, being run by the Floyd family.
The funds raised will be used to finance the funeral and help support the family of George Floyd.
Regis Korchinski-Paquet - To help support Regis’ family, you can click here to access the Gofundme
for her family and as well as memorial expenses.
D’Andre Campbell Here, you access the donation fund for D’Andre Campbell, who was tragically
murdered by police last month, April 6th 2020 in a call of distress. The money raised will be going to
help support D’Andre’s family as well as funeral expenses.

For those that may not be able to financially support, below are some links to some petitions that you

are able to sign to help push support for the black community:

‘Justice for Big Floyd’ - Click the link here to learn about George Floyd and take action by signing
their petition and being a legal observer. Further, it is set up that you are still able to take part, even if
you aren’t a US citizen.
‘Run with Maud’ - ‘Run with Maud’ was created to gain traction and support in Ahmaud Arbery’s case,
ensuring that the white supremasists involved are held accountable and get justice for Ahmaud and his
family.  To sign the petition and take calls of legal action towards the state of Georgia, click here
Justice for Regis Korchinski-Paquet - Regis’ case is being covered up and we can’t let the lack of action
continue. To show solidarity and get justice for Regis Korchinski-Paquet and her family, click here.
‘Stand with Bre’  - It is also important to note within this movement, sometimes black women in particular
are forgotten. You can click here, to sign the petition and take legal actions showing solidarity for Breonna
Taylor, who was murdered by police who barged into her home unannounced.
Tony McDade - Tony McDade was a black transgender man, who was killed by police May 27th 2020.
The Black Lives Matter movement includes all black people of all walks of life. To show support for Tony
McDade and his family, click here

During this distressing time, what can we, the black community do? We must come together and heal.

This is a hard time and as much as we want to take it upon ourselves to make noise and to educate those

around us about what is going on, we can't forget there is so much emotional and mental labour in that.

Whether it be organizing or simply absorbing the overload of information. Remember you are not

invincible. Do not ever feel guilty for taking a step back and regulating your feelings and energy. Taking

actions of self-preservation at this time are valid and are important for your wellbeing, especially during a

pandemic. Talk to someone: this is not the time to keep to yourself. Take some time out of your day and

decompress and talk about how you are feeling. That also means reaching out to your friends and family.

Check in on your peers and make sure they're doing well at this time also. 


Above all of this, do whatever you need to do that will help uplift your spirits. If that means taking a

social media break, dancing to your favourite song, or talking to some close peers.


Black people. Take care of yourself. Give yourselves the space to rest, grieve, and reflect. Only together

we can get through this.


“You may shoot me with your words,

You may cut me with your eyes,

You may kill me with your hatefulness,

But still, like air, I’ll rise.”


Maya Angelou


Yours in Solidarity and Love, 

The University of Toronto Black Students’ Association


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