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Isaac Bryant and Shelby Bartsch lead the Black Lives Matter protesters through the streets of Grande Prairie
By Liam Verster
Black Lives Matter Movement

Black Lives Matter protest draws in massive crowd of supporters

Jun 6, 2020 | 3:58 PM

A Black Lives Matter protest went ahead in Grande Prairie on Saturday. Close to a thousand people turned up to show their support for the cause, and to protest systematic racism and police brutality toward black people.
Crowds began gathering at around noon, with people wearing masks and gloves, and carrying homemade signs.
The start of the Black Lives Matter protest outside the Montrose Cultural Centre in Grande Prairie
Many protesters came carrying homemade signs
A sign hung up at the protest, showing black owned businesses in Grande Prairie
Chris Manuel, Director of Protective and Social Services for the City, hands out free masks to the public at the protest

Once the crowd had begun to gather, Isaac Bryant, one of the organizers of the rally, climbed onto the back of his truck, where he addressed the crowd.

Isaac Bryant begins the protest with a speech.
The crowd continues to grow as Isaac continues his speech

Isaac finished up his speech, and passed the microphone off to the next speaker, Claude Lawsamba.

Claude Lawsamba speaks at the Black Lives Matter movement in Grande Prairie
Two RCMP officers stand among the crowd at the Black Lives Matter protest

Aretha Johnson was next to take the microphone and address the crowd.

Aretha Johnson speaks to the crowd of protesters
Aretha gets a little emotional as she tells her story to the crowd

Augustine Abinu also spoke about systematic racism, and during his speech he told the crowd he had come up with proposed changes that could be made at the local level. He later passed on an envelope containing his proposal to Grande Prairie’s Mayor Bill Given.

Augustine Abinu presents his plans to the crowd
Augustine Abinu hands over the plans to Mayor Bill Given

Neil Tuazon with the Filipino Association of Grande Prairie and Area also took the microphone to stand up against racism, and stand in support of the Black Lives Matter movement.

Neil Tuazon stands next to Isaac Bryant as he makes his speech
READ MORE: Speeches given at Black Lives Matter protest highlight issues in the community and ways to address them
Following the speeches, the Black Lives Matter Movement had another brief moment of contemplation, before taking to the streets.

The RCMP blocked traffic along the route as protesters marched through downtown Grande Prairie.

Protesters marching through the streets of Grande Prairie
The line of protesters stretch down the whole block and around the corner

After circling the block twice, the protesters returned to the field outside the Montrose Cultural Centre, where Isaac gave a thanks to everyone who participated.

The crowd of protesters had grown substantially since the beginning of the protest
The entire protest and march took less than two hours.
Isaac and Shelby say they were very impressed by the turnout, and that it was overwhelming to see the support from the public. They say they believe the message got out, and that they hope it’s a positive step towards having people recognize their own prejudicial behaviours, and start implementing changes in themselves.
A second Black Lives Matter protest is being planned for June 20 in Grande Prairie, though the details of that event has not been finalized.
(Photos by Liam Verster)
by Liam Verster