Over the next few days, Londoners will pause to honour and remember the four members of the Afzaal family whose lives were lost as a result of a horrific act of violence. Leading up to the one-year anniversary of this, the City of London has worked alongside members of the Muslim community to support events taking place to honour the family and to support the community in its journey to heal and to reclaim the location where this took place.
All Londoners are encouraged to join a march organized by the Youth Coalition Combatting Islamophobia on Sunday, June 5. Participants will gather at Oakridge Secondary School for 1:00 p.m.. Following a program of speakers, the march will leave from the school and proceed along Oxford Street to the London Muslim Mosque where it will finish. Organizers encourage attendees to prepare for the weather, whether that’s with sunscreen, hats, water bottles or umbrellas. There will be road closures on Oxford Street, beginning as early as noon and progressing throughout the afternoon to accommodate the march.
On Monday, June 6 at 1:00 p.m., the City of London will host the dedication of a new community garden in Maple Grove Park to honour Our London Family. This garden is located at 1260 Coronation Drive and all are welcome to attend.
Also on Monday at 4:00 p.m., the London Muslim Mosque will unveil the Our London Family Art Gallery and the display will be open in the evenings until June 30.
Londoners are also encouraged to join a vigil on Monday evening at the corners of South Carriage Road and Hyde Park Road, beginning at 6:30 p.m. Also led by the Youth Coalition Combatting Islamophobia, this event will include the unveiling of the Our London Family Memorial Plaza, which features a mural painted by Muslim youth, as well as prayers and speakers. Hyde Park Road will be closed in both directions on Monday afternoon, between Gainsborough Road and Sarnia Road with closures beginning at 4:00 p.m.
Full details about all events that will take place can be found at www.london.ca/ourlondonfamily.