By Ken Herar

“It takes a village to raise a child!”  Going one step further, it also takes a village to eliminate hatred, racism, bigotry and bullying.

After an opening prayer from Chief Alice Thompson and a healing song performed by Jason Thompson, Leq' a: mel First Nation, a few dignitaries spoke in support of those bullied. Thousands gathered from around the province in a pro covid friendly manner to show support for a transgender student who was assaulted.

A parade of vehicles, horses, a slowed passing train and an air fly by were a part of the afternoon festivities.

The overall spirit was upbeat as an assembly line of vehicles passed along the Braich property, starting from the Mission Raceway. From vehicles filled with families to solo driven cars the convoy followed alongside the river eventually meeting up with the teens family, dignitaries and the Braich family, which hosted the event. The convoy showed support using decorations and props from elaborate displays to basic handwritten placards. A collection table was near the end of the route for the many different items presented as gifts.

It was noted that several parade participants passed alongside the teen in tears, holding back their emotions.

Again, we were reminded, diversity is our greatest strength. When these unfortunate incidents occur, we must always stand up and educate in a non-violent way. Mission has risen to heal the wrong doings of our yesterdays. Forgiveness is a part of the healing as a community, we should forgive to understand.

For myself, I was deeply touched by the compassion and concern and this is what makes our community unique.

Being born and raised in Mission, this was the first time I’ve witnessed such a heartfelt, over the top event. What took place was historical in many ways and will likely be reflected on for years to come in the mist of a global pandemic. People’s spirits were uplifted and this connection needed to be made even with physical distancing.

Key event volunteers were:  AJ Gopinath and Clark Jahn. Bobby Braich said,  “who would have thought a young East Indian man (late) Herman S Braich, his father, from an Indian village leaving his family and searching for a better life ends up in Mission and claims a piece of property, would then seventy years later on these lands, be part of a passionate movement in rallying against bullying and for all inclusivity and LBGTQ + community”.

As a coach, what message connected with Braich was a handmade sign, which read “love wins. “

Younger brother H.S. Kenny Braich said, “this was our George Floyd moment. Everybody saw a very severe hate crime and it was just so vile, it compels you to get involved. The organizers needed a venue and we had the venue. It was important to do everything in our power in the middle of a pandemic to be able to facilitate something that was extraordinarily important. “

Mike Bismeyer of Abbotsford, who has spoken throughout North America in regards to bullying said, “fear is what keeps bullying alive, and we must reduce the fear factor, empowering the victims, witnesses or those whom someone has confided in, to come forward, report and start the process of ending the bullying. Bullies continue to bully because they get away with it. Ultimately however, the only way this works is if there is truly a Zero Tolerance Policy, with severe consequences for the perpetrators.“

Ken Herar is a Mission city councilor and South Asian and Fraser Valley Newspaper columnist.