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On Sunday, May 25, 2025, at 10 a.m., I invite you to join me and members of the West Island community at Valois Park in Pointe-Claire for the 6th annual West Island Take a Knee event, marking the anniversary of the murder of George Floyd. 

In 2020, we took a knee in collective grief, solidarity, and determination to confront racism and systemic in justice. That call remains urgent today. 

Young lives lost—like Makhai Bennett-Ruddock, Abisay Cruz, and Emmanuel Diafouka—remind us that we still have work to do. Youth violence, gender based violence, and cuts to equity-focused programs remain pressing issues. Our community must continue to stand together. 

Your presence sends a powerful message: that justice, healing, and equity matter here, too. 

Allison Saunders is vice-chair and commissioner of Ward 4 of the Lester B. Pearson School Board, recipient of the King Charles III Coronation Medal, community organizer, and mom of two and ally to you.