Founder of the Saint John Black Lives Matter Movement, Matthew Martin. (Photo: Ben Burnett)
June was a busy month for the Saint John Black Lives Matter Movement.
After hosting a rally which brought thousands to King’s Square, the group registered as a non-profit, launched a new web page, and announced their first fundraising event all within the span of a week.
Next up, the group’s founder says it will work to provide anti-racist programs and support for racialized people in the city.
“(Before the rally), we kept saying this wasn’t going to be a one-off thing,” said Matthew Martin. “(Becoming a non-profit) was the first step of showing we have no plans of going anywhere.”
The group can now accept donations, and apply for government grants for programming and community support.
They are now working on developing mentorship programs and providing anti-racism educational tools. Martin says they would also like to host a Black empowerment conference at some point.
Next up, the Saint John BLM group is working to find a space for a mural within the city. They are planning to partner with artist Daniel Leek on the project.
Martin says the mural will help visually represent the Black community for residents.
“We really want to note our Black history in Saint John and New Brunswick,” Martin said. “(The Black community) has a rich history, and it’s not really talked about.”
Since the rally, Martin says the group has been hearing regularly from members of the city’s Black community.
“People are starting to call things out,” he said. “It’s a step in the right direction, of people no longer being passive towards racism.”
The Saint John Black Lives Matter Movement’s first fundraiser will take place July 18 at the Art Warehouse on Prince William. The event will feature music from Martin, poetry from Clyde Wray, and comedy from James Mullinger, and will be hosted by Shauna Cole.
