Toronto Rally to Demand an End to Toronto Police's Carding Practices and to Show Solidarity for the Baltimore Uprising.

TORONTO, May 2, 2015 /CNW/ - Toronto's Black community and allies are outraged over the increased violence inflicted on unarmed black people at the hands of police officers. From practices such as carding, which disproportionately targets and criminalizes black people, to the murdering of unarmed black people, black communities across North America are systemically victims of state-sanctioned violence. Concerned members of the community will hold a demonstration and march today (Saturday May 2nd) at 5:00 p.m. at Toronto Police Headquarters- 40 College St.

"Across North America, Black folks and our allies are fed up and demanding justice" said Jay Khan, one of the demonstration's organizers. "But this protest is not just about what's happening in America. Just two days ago, our new Police Chief Mark Saunders announced that he will be ignoring the community's calls to end Toronto Police's practice of carding, which unfairly target black Torontonians. 27.4% of people carded are Black, which is 3.4 times the proportion of their population. The numbers don't lie, that is racist policing. Police practices such as carding serve as a precursor to other forms of violence."

There is a well-documented history of racial profiling here in Toronto, which has yet to be adequately addressed. Police practices such as carding serve as a precursor to other forms of violence. For example, in September of last year, Jermaine Carby, a black man, was murdered by the Peel Regional police. The community and his immediate family are still looking for answers to his death.

This protest is also meant to send support and solidarity to communities currently resisting police violence, specifically Baltimore. As with Ferguson, Baltimoreans have taken to the streets in a desperate attempt to be heard.  Although the officers will be charged with murder, statistics show that very few police officers are ever convicted of their charges. Additionally, BLMTO echoes the Baltimore community's demands as they relate to the negative impacts of chronic unemployment, lack of access to education, economic disparity, high incarceration rates, and other dire issues disproportionately affecting Black communities continent-wide.

"We are coming together as a community that has reached its breaking point," said Alexandria Williams, a rally organizer. "Every 28 hours an unarmed black person is shot by police or security, and in 2015, we've seen that number increase to every 8 hours. The situation is not getting any better, and in fact, it seems to be getting worst. We are seeking justice for Freddie Gray, Rekia Boyd, Jermaine Carby, Mya Hall, Aiyana Jones, and all other victims of police violence. Enough is enough."

The protest is organized by Black Lives Matter Toronto, a coalition of concerned Black community members, activists, students, youth, and professionals from all parts of the city.

A French media representative is available upon request.

SOURCE Black Lives Matter Toronto

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