Letters to the editor...Diversity March a resounding success

Dear editor, On September 16, Georgetown was home to the first ever Welcoming Diversity March. I would like to thank everyone who participated and/or contributed to making the march such a wonderful day. I am proud of the leadership demonstrated by every participant and it was great to see Amnesty International there too. I would especially like to recognize the leadership of the youth of Peer Outreach Support Services & Education (POSSE) and the partners of the Welcoming Diversity March-- Lois Fraser of Fraser Direct Logistics Ltd., Halton Organization of Pride and Education (HOPE), North Halton Cultural Awareness Council, Halton MultiCultural Council, Canadian Caribbean Association of Halton, the Métis Women's Circle and the Ontario Trillium Foundation. Taking a public stand on sometimes unpopular issues based on sound principle is the only way we, as a society, have ever gained our civil rights and freedoms. It is the responsibility of those in positions of power and privilege to create safe and welcoming space for those without the advantages of power or privilege (minorities and the marginalized) to be included and heard. At the Welcoming Diversity March about 100 people took a stand-- the United Nations Flag and the Pride Flag were raised and marched through town, as a symbol of our recognition of everyone's basic human rights, acceptance of diversity and our commitment to a peaceful world. I am grateful a group of youth, organizations and concerned citizens would demonstrate such leadership welcoming diverse people, who otherwise had not been officially recognized in Halton Hills. Kimm Kent, Peer Outreach Support Services & Education (POSSE)