Vaughan added, “Since the death of George Floyd there have been “appalling examples of racial injustice that bring to light the need to do something…Loyalist plays a pivotal role.”
Orlando Ferro of Quinte Immigration Services noted community leaders should ensure a safe community for people of other ethnicity.
He said it’s time time to put a mechanism in place to ensure that when people are victimized by discrimination justice prevails.
Ferro indicated a committee would need to make the case that Belleville is a welcoming community and start the conversation with leaders of the community.
“It’s going to be a dying community in the future. It needs more people. Needs more tax base, to be sustainable, resilient…unless it is welcoming without discrimination, without racism, it could affect business. Some leaders, Quinte leaders, need to understand and act on that.”
Ferro pointed to the Situation Table that connects social service agencies with police and people who may be struggling which he says better alternative than strict enforcement.
Founding President of the United Nations Association, Quinte Branch, Dr. Aruna Alexander emphasized education plays an important role in counteracting racism. She pointed to affirming Canadian diversity.
Alexander also pointed to the role community leaders must play.
Loyalist student Sidney Frazer outlined the discrimination she experienced through her elementary and high school days in Frankford, noting one time a teacher in Grade 9 called her a nickname related to her skin colour, “Black Syd,” despite the fact that she is not of African descent.
Frazer said businesses and organizations must play a role in combating racism.
