Loku inquest a welcome move, public meetings next step: Black Lives Matter

Black Lives Matter leader Sandy Hudson speaks with reporters

Members of the city’s Black Lives Matter movement say they are encouraged after meeting with the province this week, but say there is still more work to do to combat systemic racism.

The group held a news conference outside Toronto Police Headquarters Sunday morning to respond to the provincial coroner’s call for an inquest into the death of Andrew Loku, a mentally challenged man whose fatal shooting at the hands of Toronto police in 2015 sparked outrage among the black community. On Wednesday a release from the coroner’s office said an inquest will be held into Loku’s death.

“For us the call for a coroners’ inquest into Andrew Loku’s death does signify a strong commitment to addressing the demands that we have laid out,” said Sandy Hudson, one of the group’s leaders.

The group recently met with MPP Michael Coteau, the minister responsible for anti-racism, to discuss the next steps in a dialogue with the province. On Sunday they said details are still being worked out for a series of at least four public meetings to hear from the black community on issues related to anti-black racism in policing.  (more...)

Loku inquest a welcome move, public meetings next step: Black Lives Matter

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Public interest key in getting Andrew Loku inquest: Black Lives Matter