As we mark the solemn, one-year anniversary of the murder of George Floyd, we continue to see state sanctioned violence against African, Caribbean, Black Latinx, and Black; Indigenous, immigrant and racialized people across Ontario. 

Yesterday, Canadians marched in memory of Regis Korchinski-Paquet. Today, we remember those who have been harmed and killed by state violence. We reflect on the work, advancements and heartaches of this past year and look ahead to the work done at OAN and beyond. 

Over the past year, the OAN has held space and engaged our membership and partners in challenging and impactful conversations and action that address anti-Black racism in Ontario’s HIV sector. In that time, there has been growth, growing pains, successes, and setbacks. While the state has indeed perpetrated violence against Black communities, we must also acknowledge the role of our organizations in perpetuating this violence. 

As we continue to develop our collective tools and voices, we must speak out louder on behalf of and with Black communities; we must resist anti-Indigenous racism, anti-Trans inclusion, HIV-stigma and countless other forms of oppression in our community. #BLM #GeorgeFloyd