A local group against police violence and other forms of systemic and institutional racism will be holding a demonstration.
Wednesday at 7:00 p.m. Not One More Death will be protesting to replace security guards at city hall.
“Really it’s a proposal to replace security guards at city hall, and the over policing and surveillance of people at city hall, we’re hoping to replace that with grandmothers.” explained spokesperson Kate Rookes.
Rookes goes on the explain the logistics behind the changes.
“In order to create this kind of safe warm atmosphere, we propose that the grandmothers be paid and trained to learn de-escalation techniques or even paired with social workers who have skills.” said Rookes, “Like I said, it’s a collaborative effort and we’re still in the planning stages.”
Not One More Death is arguing the area out front of city hall is a public space, yet security guards criminalize people who use the space. The group adds these people are mostly elderly, racialized, disabled, or homeless people.
“We’re not attacking security guards specifically themselves, it’s the policy of the city that we are taking issue with, so we’re kind of proposing alternatives,” mentioned Rookes.
Not One More Death’s proposal goes into explaining why grandmothers would be a suitable alternative to security guards, citing they are trustworthy, nurturing, know how to repair what is broken, and have a lot of life experience.
The demonstration at city hall will feature a panel of grandmothers drinking tea and discussing how to create grassroots community safety.
Included in the event will be local two-spirit elder Ma-Nee Chacaby and filmmaker Michelle DeRosier.
