Blog Post

Regis - Toronto rally against anti-black racism to remain peaceful

AfroBiz • May 30, 2020
 The family of a woman who fell to her death from a High Park apartment building following an incident that is now being probed by the province’s police watchdog is asking those attending an afternoon rally in Toronto today to remain peaceful and safe.

Regis Korchinski-Paquet’s family did not organize today’s rally but released a statement on Saturday afternoon encouraging those participating in it to “remain peaceful in honour of Regis.”

“The family is thankful for the outpouring of support from the community and to the organizers of today’s event for bringing attention to this very serious matter,” the statement reads. “The family asks that anyone attending today’s event observe social distancing by-laws to ensure those attending are safe and remain peaceful in honour of Regis.”

 Thousands gather at Christie Pitts Park

Police say that roughly 3,500 people have already gathered at Christie Pitts Park and along Bloor Street for the rally, which is being organized by a group called ‘Not Another Black Life.’

In a series of messages posted to Twitter on Saturday, the group said that it is holding the event “for Regis” and “for every known and unknown black and indigenous life lost to police brutality and white supremacy.”

Police Chief Mark Saunders was also seen in the vicinity of the rally on Saturday and told CP24 that police just want to ensure it is as “peaceful of a protest as possible.”

"I just want to make sure that everything's okay," Saunders said. "When we look around and see the things that are happening, ideally you'd hope that there's an opportunity that people take the time to hear everything and based their actions on the truth and then figure out where collectively as a city, we can move forward."

It should be noted that Korchinski-Paquet’s death is still being investigated by the Special Investigations Unit and that few details are actually known about what happened inside the High Park apartment prior to her death.

Korchinski-Paquet’s family has said that they called police to help her get through a mental health crisis, though Saunders has said that the actual call was for an assault.

Speaking with reporters at event earlier in the day, Mayor John Tory said that Korchinski-Paquet’s death is a tragedy but he said that people should have faith in the fact that there is a “an independent process that will thoroughly investigate the incident” and “provide all of us with the answers that we all want.”

He said that he appreciates that people want to honour Korchinski-Paquet and make sure that her death is properly investigated and anticipates that today’s rally will be peaceful.

Tales of Triumph Small Business Contest
By AfroBiz April 3, 2024
Canada Post's small business contest, Tales of Triumph, returns this year with another opportunity for companies to win big by sharing their small business stories.
This Black-woman founded non-profit helps Black entrepreneurs to start their food business
By AfroBiz January 25, 2024
Foodpreneur Lab is the only Canadian Black-woman founded and led non-profit with a fierce national mandate to advance racial and gender equity in the food sector.
Royal Raine, your little boutique on the Prairie
By MB December 24, 2023
Royal Raine is a Black-owned boutique in the Canadian Prairies providing a modern approach when it comes to clothing and accessories.
Black Entrepreneurs Loan Application denied
By AfroBiz April 28, 2022
The federal government’s Black Entrepreneurship Loan Fund has only approved about 100 out of 16,000 applications, a situation that has caused financial distress for some of those waiting for funds.
3 Rings You Should Try from 3 Black-Owned Jewelry Brands
By MB February 19, 2022
No, no, no! Don’t start singing “Put a ring on it!!” because it’s not the case! We know Valentine’s Day is already gone, so we won’t mention it. We will show you some amazing creations of three Black jewelers. They have one-of-a-kind pieces, from rings to earrings to necklaces and bracelets.
Maneuver, Your Official Men’s Grooming Guide for Self-Care
By MB February 9, 2022
Maneuver is a Canadian Black-owned brand that changes and challenges the stereotypes about men’s grooming and care, creating a “bruvahood” by showing men that there are no barriers, just standards.
By AfroBiz February 2, 2022
10 Steps To Start a Successful Black Owned Business
African Earrings from Lillon Boutique on AfroBiz Marketplace
By MB January 23, 2022
Lillon Boutique is an African-inspired brand offering women accessories and home décor handmade by Black artisans from various countries.
3 Soaps Perfect for the Black Skin That You Should Try
By MB January 20, 2022
Winter or not, we need to take care of our skin and hair. Let’s check out these soaps made with love and passion by three Black artisans in Canada. We will look at the prices, ingredients and what they can do for us.
Pro-Black t-shirt from Blmkingdom on AfroBiz Marketplace
By MB January 15, 2022
Black Lives Matter indeed for Blmkingdom which is a Canadian Black-owned store featuring BLM on all their clothing and accessories.
Show More
Share by: