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,

@climatejusticeto.

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