By Abbey Cannan
A Sunrise Beach couple is becoming the catalyst for change in the community, after successfully organising a peaceful Black Lives Matter protest last Thursday.
Tamika Sadler and Benjamin Thomson let their voices shine the light on equality to about 800 protesters gathered in Cotton Tree Park.
Ms Sadler said it was amazing to see how united the Sunshine Coast community was at the event.
“My first racist experience was in Year 1,” she told the crowd.
“I remember the day like it was yesterday. It made me question myself about the colour of my skin.
“Ever since that day I faced an uphill battle about the way I looked.
“I just want the Sunshine Coast community to come together and accept each other. Every human life is worthy.”
Her partner, Mr Thomson said he cried after seeing what happened to George Floyd in America, another horrific incident adding to the list of deaths in police custody and inciting the urgency for change around the world.
“We have to live with this fear 24/7, not just when it’s trending,” Mr Thomson said.
“I want you allies that are here today to stay with us.
“This is not new to us, racism is not new.
“I am forever proud of my black heritage.
“We want you to amplify our voices through you.”
Mr Thomson reminded the community to be thoughtful of the indigenous community when 26 January came around on the calendar.
“Think of that pain for us,” he said.
“We’re here almost 250 years later having the same fight over the pigment of our skin.
“It is a choice to be ignorant, you are not born with it.”
He asked the crowd to close their eyes and imagine they were born black.
“I was seven years old, skating to the shops. The police rock up, take our skateboards, arrest us and strip search us,” he recalled.
“Imagine being arrested at seven years old.
“Now imagine a world where we all get along.”
Protesters Taylah MCintosh and Neesha Tauwhare said they attended the event to stand united with our indigenous people.
“We want to help support and spread love in the community,” they said.
Kabi Kabi Elder Tais K’Reala said there was a good response to the event.
“Over the shadows of isolation, when there is a deep cause, it is clear that we are all in this together,“ he said.
A Sunshine Coast police spokesman said he thanked everyone at the event for making it a peaceful protest.
