Denburk Reid says actions speak louder than words. And he believes he possesses the voice, along with the platform, to deal with the injustices he sees.
Reid, the founder and executive-director of the Montreal Community Cares Foundation is organizing what he’s calling a silent reflection period on Sunday at 12:30 p.m. at Loyola Park on Doherty Ave. in Notre-Dame-de-Grâce.
He’s inviting community leaders, police officers, politicians, athletes and the media to attend MTL Kneels For Change. Everyone assembled will kneel, in silence and solidarity, for a photo. It’s not a protest or march, Reid emphasized, and he’s hopeful it remains peaceful. He simply wants to create an image other cities might duplicate in light of racism and police brutality.
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‘We have to create change,’ Montreal community leader Denburk Reid says
Invites Montrealers to attend silent reflection event Sunday at Loyola Park, where everyone will kneel, in silence and solidarity, for a photo.
Author of the article:Herb Zurkowsky • Montreal Gazette
Published Jun 05, 2020 • 3 minute read
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Denburk Reid at Loyola Park on Friday, June 5, 2020. He is organizing MTL Kneels For Change, what he describes as a silent reflection period, at the park on Sunday.
Denburk Reid at Loyola Park on Friday, June 5, 2020. He is organizing MTL Kneels For Change, what he describes as a silent reflection period, at the park on Sunday. PHOTO BY PIERRE OBENDRAUF /Montreal Gazette
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Denburk Reid says actions speak louder than words. And he believes he possesses the voice, along with the platform, to deal with the injustices he sees.
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Reid, the founder and executive-director of the Montreal Community Cares Foundation is organizing what he’s calling a silent reflection period on Sunday at 12:30 p.m. at Loyola Park on Doherty Ave. in Notre-Dame-de-Grâce.
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He’s inviting community leaders, police officers, politicians, athletes and the media to attend MTL Kneels For Change. Everyone assembled will kneel, in silence and solidarity, for a photo. It’s not a protest or march, Reid emphasized, and he’s hopeful it remains peaceful. He simply wants to create an image other cities might duplicate in light of racism and police brutality.
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Earlier Sunday, at 11 a.m., there’s a protest against police brutality toward the black community being held downtown at Place Émilie-Gamelin on Berri St.
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The event comes after the May 25 death of George Floyd at the hands of former Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin, who placed his knee on the back of Floyd’s neck, while he was handcuffed and being arrested, for nearly nine minutes.
“As black people, we have a different sense of what inclusion is,” said Reid, 41. “What respect is. This is a way for us to stand for something before another person dies. We have to create change. There’s too much talking and not enough action.
“It has to start somewhere,” he added. “I’m asking it to start from within. I don’t want to come across as another angry, black person expressing their discontent or anger. But I have to do something. The message might get lost if we organized a walk. I’m going to fight this from a different angle.”
Reid, who formerly was in charge of community relations for the Montreal Alouettes, established his non-profit foundation in 2012. It’s mission is to empower youth by developing their leadership skills through programs — most notably the Red Rush Basketball Leadership, which Reid coaches — workshops and events. More than 600 youths age 10-19 have been assisted.
Community organizations participating on Sunday will receive a copy of the photo. Reid emphasized social distancing guidelines will be observed. The wearing of face masks is mandatory.