Thursday, June 6, 2024, marks three years since the horrific and devastating act of terrorism that took the lives of four members of Our London Family.
In commemoration of their memory, and to support the community in its journey to heal, members of the London Muslim community are hosting several events open to all members of the public.
Community events and activities
Please continue to check this site often for updates to the events listed below as details are being confirmed and may change.
Our London Family Vigil
Date and time: Thursday, June 6 from 7:45 to 9 p.m.
Location: South Carriage Road west of Hyde Park Road
Details: Community leaders and special guests will share words of encouragement and healing during the vigil. All Londoners are invited to participate. Please note this is a standing event. Attendees are welcome to bring chairs. Accessible seating is available.
The vigil will require lane reductions and partial road closures. Parking and shuttle bus service is available.
Traffic impacts: One southbound curb lane will be closed on Hyde Park Road near South Carriage Road on Thursday, June 6 from 11 a.m. to approximately 10 p.m. to accommodate for the vigil. In addition, South Carriage Road will be fully closed from Hyde Park Road to Prince of Wales Gate from 11 a.m. to approximately 10 p.m. on Thursday, June 6. Local residents will have access to the area through Prince of Wales Gate and Gainsborough Road. We understand this may be an inconvenience and appreciate the community’s patience and cooperation.
Parking: Parking will be available at St. John French Immersion Catholic Elementary School (1212 Coronation Drive), the Real Canadian Superstore (1205 Oxford Street) and RONA north location (1335 Fanshawe Road West).
Shuttle buses: Shuttle buses will do three pick ups at the Real Canadian Superstore and RONA parking lots between 7:30 p.m. and 7:50 p.m. and will drop passengers off on South Carriage Road, east of the intersection between Hyde Park Road and South Carriage Road. Shuttle buses will also pick up passengers east of Hyde Park Road and South Carriage Road on South Carriage Road between 9 p.m. and 9:30 p.m. and return to the same parking lots.
Be prepared: Event organizers encourage all attendees to monitor weather conditions and come prepared – with water, sunscreen, hats or an umbrella. In the case of an extreme weather event, Oakridge Secondary School (1040 Oxford Street West) has been secured as an alternative venue for the vigil.
Let's Learn and Remember Our London Family
Date and time: Tuesday, June 4 from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
Location: Sherwood Library (1225 Wonderland Road North)
Details: The London & Middlesex Local Immigration Partnership and community partners invite you to join this event to remember Our London Family and continue the healing process by sharing experiences and the impact that June 6, 2021 has had on all of us. All Londoners are welcome to attend this event.
Yumnah Afzaal Youth Lounge Dedication
Date and time: Tuesday, June 11 from 2:30 p.m. to 4:15 p.m.
Location: London Muslim Mosque (151 Oxford Street West)
Details: This dedication ceremony honors the memory of Yumnah Afzaal and reflects the London Muslim Mosque's commitment to creating a supportive environment for youth and community members. The event will include remarks from family and community leaders, a view of the design plan and an unveiling of the commemorative plaque. Due to limited capacity of the space, this event requires an invitation for the official program. The design plan will be available for all to view during the following days in the week. For more information, please email secretary@londonmosque.ca.
Our London Family lawn signs
Londoners can show their support by picking up a free Our London Family lawn sign courtesy of the City of London. One free lawn sign per household is available at the following locations while supplies last:
- London City Hall (300 Dufferin Avenue)
- South London Community Centre (1119 Jalna Boulevard)
- Canada Games Aquatic Centre (1045 Wonderland Road North)
- North London Optimist Community Centre (1345 Cheapside Street)
- East Lions Community Centre (1731 Churchill Avenue)
- Carling Heights Optimist Community Centre (656 Elizabeth Street)
- Image Graphics and Signs (60 Meg Drive)
Flags and facilities
City of London
From Monday, June 3 to Thursday, June 6, the Our London Family flag will be flown at City Hall, and City Hall and the J. Allyn Taylor Building will be lit up purple and green to honour Our London Family. On Thursday, June 6, the Canadian flag will fly at half mast at City Hall.
London District Catholic School Board
On Thursday, June 6, the Catholic Education Center will be lit up purple and green to honour Our London Family and the Canadian flag will fly at half mast at all London District Catholic School Board schools and at the Catholic Education Center. Staff and Students have also been invited to participate in a prayer walk on Thursday June 6, 2024.
London Health Sciences Centre
From June 3 to June 6, the Our London Family flag will be raised at University Hospital and Victoria Hospital.
Thames Valley District School Board
The Thames Valley District School Board will solemnly commemorate the terrorist attack that took the lives of #OurLondonFamily. In collaboration and solidarity with the Muslim community, TVDSB is honoured to become one of the first school boards in Canada to release a strategy for dismantling anti-Muslim racism.
London Public Library
On Thursday, June 6, the Central Library will be lit with purple and green lights to honour Our London Family. The Library stands with London’s Muslim community as an ally, as a community resource and a partner, and as a safe space for all Londoners to gather and to learn together.
We remember Our London Family, together
Without the continued dedication, compassion, and commitment from many community partners and organizations, these very important events of healing and recognition would not be possible. Thank you to everyone who has contributed to helping remember and honour Our London Family, including the London Muslim Mosque, Thames Valley District School Board, London Catholic District School Board, Muslim Resource Centre for Social Service Integration, Muslim Association of Canada, London Public Library , Islamic Centre of Southwest Ontario, Youth Coalition Combatting Islamophobia, Muslim Wellness Centre, Conseil scolaire Viamonde and Hyde Park BIA.
Community resources
As a community we need to continue to learn more on how we can disrupt Islamophobia and hate in our City. There are many community organizations and resources available to Londoners who are interested in learning more about how we can be a more welcoming and inclusive City.
- I am London campaign
- Letters from Londoners in support of healing
- London Public Library - Find children’s books, teen books, adult books (fiction and non-fiction) and other resources featuring Muslim authors and stories.
- Bill 86, Our London Family Act (Working Together to Combat Islamophobia and Hatred), 2022
- A London for All – An Action Plan to Disrupt Islamophobia