BEAVER BANK/FALL RIVER: The time is now to truly listen to Black voices and hear their experiences, says a local councillor who represents the Middle/Upper Sackville-Beaver Bank-Lucasville district.
Deputy Mayor Lisa Blackburn and Councillor Steve Streatch, who represents Waverley-Fall River-Musquodoboit Valley, were asked about what they thought of the recent protests in support of Black Lives Matter in HRM and a message they have for residents of the municipality.
“As a 50-year-old white woman the onus is on me to educate myself and find ways to be a better ally,” said Blackburn. “I’ve also committed to working with women from diverse backgrounds in seeking elected office.
“Change comes when there is more diversity around the decision-making tables.”
Councillor Streatch said he supports the elimination of racism in our communities and throughout the world.
“I support people and their right to protest, but I do not support the level of violent protests and destruction of property that we are seeing south of the border in the United States and other jurisdictions around the world,” said Streatch on June 7.
He said he is proud of HRM’s citizens.
“I’m proud that our citizens have been respectful in their approach here in our area and will continue to support their core message, that Black Lives Matter,” he said.
