New Westminster will unite for a community rally tomorrow night.
What started as a small vigil organized by New Westminster MLA Judy Darcy and other community leaders has grown into a show of force against racist and fascist groups. The event is meant to be a response to several leaflets found in the city on the weekend promoting hate and neo-Nazi groups.
“I think it’s important as a community that we are public and visible in saying that we stand for equality and diversity and community and that everyone is welcome,” Darcy told the Record.
Darcy was surprised to learn racist leaflets had been found in New West; it was like a “dagger to the heart,” she said.
The #NewWestUnited vigil starts at 5:30 p.m. on Thursday, Jan. 26 at city hall. Among the guests scheduled to speak Imam Yahya Momla from the B.C. Muslim Association; Rabbi David Mivasair; Reverend Emilie Smith from St. Barnabas Anglican Church; representatives of Gurdwara Sukh Sagar and New West Pride; Chief Rhonda Larrabee of the Qayqayt First Nation; New Westminster MP Peter Julian; Mayor Jonathan Cote; and Darcy herself. The New Westminster Community Choir is also expected to perform.
“It’s just so heartwarming to see this kind of outpouring of support,” Darcy said, adding this event is all about the community.
