It was a Muslim-led community march to end Islamophobia and remember the Afzaal family.
“I hope this will lead to solid change,” said Hanni Shahatto, a former Yumnah Afzaal teacher at the Islamic School.
As the crowd moved down Oxford Street from Oakridge High School to London’s Muslim Mosque on Sunday afternoon, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau was at the helm and center alongside members of the Fighting Youth Coalition. Islamophobia (YCCI).
“It’s very important that people understand that we have to fight this kind of hatred so that it doesn’t happen again,” said Sofiyah Lawendy, a member of the YCCI.
Hoping to make their voices heard and make changes for a more secure future, YCCI met with Trudeau ahead of Sunday’s events.
“We’re not safe on the streets,” Lawendy said. “These actions have been occupying spaces, not just physical spaces with spaces in our minds and hearts. These hate crimes must stop. Yumnah was a sister to us and a part of our community.
Sofiyah Lawendy, a member of the Youth Coalition Combating Islamophobia (YCCI), attended the Our London Family March on June 5, 2022. (Brent Lale / CTV News) Lawendy is upset because she was a family in her hometown.
“This was a family from London, and this was a Muslim family, and they were attacked because they were visibly Muslim,” Lawendy said.
Members of the Muslim community were able to join the YCCI in its meeting with Trudeau.
“I think he has heard from today’s youth that we really need them to show us the way to leadership and empower us to make positive change on the ground,” said Nawaz Tahir, President of HIKMA.
“I really think he felt the pain and grief they have, but how they have translated it into an action plan,” Tahir added.
All the events that took place on Sunday and Monday were organized for young people.
They have also developed a June 6 educational package for the Thames Valley District School Board.
On June 5, 2022, thousands marched down Oxford Street from Oakridge High School to the Muslim Mosque in London for our London family events in honor of the Afzaal family. (Brent Lale / CTV News London) The community wants a change, but it also continues to mourn the attack a year ago that police say was allegedly motivated by hatred.
On Monday, the city of London will open a new memorial square and a healing space at the corner of Hyde Park Road and South Carriage Road where the accident occurred on June 6, 2021.
“Most of the goodness comes from tragedy, and that’s what we’re trying to do. In London, Ontario, ”said Dr. Munir El-Kassem of the Islamic Center in Southwestern Ontario.
“In that place, where we witnessed the tragedy, we can really reclaim this place for peace and coexistence,” El-Kassem added.