Kingsville resident Tim Stanley speaks at the 6-Foot Sit-In – Photo by Chris Anson

Attendees of the 6-Foot Sit-In and supporters of the Black Lives Matter movement started to gather well before the appointed time at the Four Corners of Kingsville. By 1 p.m. the designated start time of the event, the streets were full of people holding signs and chanting “Black Lives Matter” in response to a person on a megaphone.

Darwin Garamszegi at 6-Foot Sit-In – Photo by Chris Anson

The organizers were prepared with water in coolers, and chalked bubbles on the sidewalk to help guide attendees to stay 6 feet apart. The sidewalks continued to fill with supporters and around 2 p.m. Tim Stanley, a local who grew up in Kingsville as one of a few black men in town, along with the organizers of the event, took to the centre of the street with the crowd joining them from all directions.

(Left to right) Nataliah, Mateah and mother Aimee Omstead – Photo by Rylee Wallace

The drivers of the vehicles in the street did not seem to mind. In fact, many vehicles were sounding their horns in support of the event. The parade of supporters walked from the Four Corners of town to Migration Hall where additional water and chips were available.

(Left to right) Venita Sherman, Cyliss Sherman, Robert Sherman, Jaida Rivard, Lorna Sherman – Photo by Rylee Wallace

Here, Tim Stanley and Darwin Garamszegi spoke to the 250 to 350-person group who gathered with them. Darwin, who has only lived in Kingsville for one year, recited an emotional story he wrote about racism, followed by a beautiful plea:

“For the people that you know that hold racism and hatred in their heart, ask them to open up their eyes, their ears, their hearts and their minds and listen to those crying out in pain around them.”

(Left to right) Jeremy Hatt, Ryan Alice, Rowan Alice – Photo by Rylee Wallace

After his emotional address, Darwin encouraged those of colour to step up to the microphone and tell their stories. Men, women and young adults of colour came up to the front of the crowd and each told a different story about how their lives have been impacted by racism. Many stories ended in tears, all stories ended in strong applause and the echoing of “Black Lives Matter,” and “No Justice, No Peace.”

The event wrapped up about 3:30 p.m., with the crowd buzzing. Some attendees were packing up to head to another demonstration in Windsor later today.

“Black Lives Matter” is more than a slogan. It has spoken for many in Kingsville today.