Juneteenth Vancouver March

The public is invited to join and support the Juneteenth Vancouver March on Friday, June 19, 2020. Organized by Vancouver-based Nova Stevens and Shamika Mitchell, with the full platform support of the Black Vancouver team including Brand Ambassador and spokesperson Clément Isanganino, the march will take place at Jack Poole Plaza at 4:00pm.

Juneteenth Vancouver March

Where: Jack Poole Plaza/Olympic Cauldron (moving down Thurlow to Pacific, and Sunset Beach)
When: Friday, June 19, 2020 at 4:00pm

June 19 marks “Juneteenth” – also known as Freedom Day or Emancipation Day – an annual holiday that commenced in 1865. Following the two recent Black Lives Matters protests, one at šxʷƛ̓ənəq Xwtl’e7énḵ Square at the Vancouver Art Gallery and the other at the Olympic Cauldron, many members of the community have advocated for a march in unity; it is not only emotionally expressive but holds immense power, history and tradition, and is a powerful tool to create change and express community values. 

From the organizers: “Though Canadian, we cannot ignore the direct ties that many of our citizens have with our neighbouring Americans below; this makes the celebration of Juneteenth just as important for us as it is for them.”

Ways to Help

• Black Lives Matters t-shirts (pressed by North Vancouver’s Get Bold) will be handed out by volunteers at the march with the purpose to keep sparking conversations once people head home to their own communities, circles and families. Click here to donate before June 15th ($100 for a block of 12 shirts)
• For more ways to help, check out this link
• Show up June 19th, wearing black, and join for the march
• Support the march through GoFundMe

“We invite the public to join in and support. Changes’ ripple effects can vary from a city, to a nation, to the world. Voices are to be heard, freedom of speech is to be expressed as we stand in solidarity. The time to stand together is now.”

Following the march, a stage will be set up at Sunset Beach Park where Black artists and speakers will be performing and addressing the crowd. Black-owned businesses will also be at the site to showcase local Black culture, soul food and more.

Those wishing to participate in the march are also reminded to take COVID-19 precautions and to wear masks, and monitor for possible symptoms in the two weeks after the march. 

Follow @FreedomMarchVancouver on Instagram for more information.