Big march to counter city’s racist image

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This article was published 26/02/2015 (3902 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

MORE than 1,000 high school students will take to the frigid streets of Winnipeg today to let Maclean’s magazine know we don’t intend to remain Canada’s most racist city.

So far, students from 17 high schools have permission from their schools to take off two periods to march, said organizer Philippe Burns, an Oak Park High School student.

“The march is called S.T.A.R.T. (Students Together Against Racism Today),” said Burns.

“A march will take place that will show Winnipeg and the rest of Canada that Winnipeg’s youth stand united against racism and embrace diversity. This initiative will start at the legislative building where there will be speakers, it will proceed up Broadway and then back down again,” he said.

The march begins at 10:30 a.m. and ends at 12:30 p.m.

Burns said a group of students was disappointed with last month’s article in Maclean’s that labelled us Canada’s most racist city.

“A small group of students at Oak Park was disappointed by the article and felt compelled to take action. They quickly got the support from more than 17 school leaders from across the city, and on Feb. 26, this diverse group of students is hoping to take a powerful stand against racism,” Burns said.

The students welcome anyone who wants to join the march and gather at the legislature to hear speakers.

“We are projecting between 600 and 1,200 students from schools across the city,” he said.

nick.martin@freepress.mb.ca