BLM Protest Happening in Woodstock Today

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Sunday, 7 June 2020 07:05

The peaceful protest will be happening between 12:00 pm and 3:00 pm today at Victoria Park.

WOODSTOCK - A Black Lives Matter protest is happening in Woodstock today at Victoria Park.

People will be at the park between noon and 3:00 pm.

The event is being organized by Jessica Hofstetter, who says this is a peaceful protest.

"Please keep in mind that this is a peaceful protest, by no means should this event be taken out of control as that is NOT the goal! This protest is to help raise awareness of the lives lost due to police brutality and to show our solidarity as a community!"

The health and safety of everyone at the event is also at the forefront of the plans. Anyone who plans on attending are asked to do the following:

- Please bring your ID or any other identification you may have.

- Plan ahead and bring water and any essentials you may need while protesting. This can include; snacks, a first aid kit and other needs.

- Please maintain a safe physical distance of 6ft (2mm) and protest in groups of 5 or less!

- And as previously said, masks are recommended but it is up to your discretion if you choose to wear one!

- Lastly, posters and signs are most definitely okay! Get creative and show your support through your illustrations!

In the video below, Woodstock Police Chief Daryl Longworth released a statement on the Black Lives Matter movement in Woodstock.

Message from the Chief - Peaceful Protest
Woodstock Police Chief, Daryl Longworth addresses the upcoming peaceful protest in Woodstock, ON. The members of the Woodstock Police Service are committed to serving and protecting everyone in our community. Far too often in our world we see violent and racist behaviors by some in power or with authority, including by some in law enforcement. These types of behaviours have no place in our community and will not be tolerated within our police service. As police officers – sworn to protect and to serve – we are shaken, angry and extremely saddened by the death of George Floyd in the U.S. It was abhorrent and has rightly created a movement to denounce the actions of those officers involved and any police officer who isn’t absolutely committed to equality and human rights. While there will be a police presence at the silent protest on Sunday, I want to assure both organizers and attendees that we will be there to stand with you. We will be there to ensure the safety of all involved, but we also share in your outrage at the death of Mr. Floyd. I believe the members of the Woodstock Police Service do an excellent job protecting and engaging with our community. But I also recognize we are not perfect. We can do better and my commitment to you is that we will do better. Our new strategic plan, which is being presented to the Police Services Board Monday, June 8, 2020, includes commitments to continue to foster continuous collaborative engagement and dialogue with our diverse communities, and to provide enhanced diversity and conflict resolution training for our members. This is a commitment that we take very seriously. We know there is work to do and we are committed to working with our community to ensure everyone feels safe and included. We see you. We hear you. We stand with you.
Posted by Woodstock Police Service on Friday, June 5, 2020