Black Lives Matter rally outside U.S. embassy in Ottawa draws hundreds

Hundreds of people packed the staircase beside the United States embassyin Ottawa for a rally Monday nightto show support for the Black Lives Matter movement south of the border, which has become even moreheated in recentweeks.

The rally happened the same night another black man, allegedly armed with a knife,was shot and killed by police in California, and just two days after a man in Texas was shot while reportedly pointing a gun.

• 2 more black men killed by police amid nationwide protests
• Black Lives Matter protests continue across the U.S.

Many in the large, diverse crowd gathered on Sussex Driveheld candles andchanted"Blacklives they matter here!"

Several speakers also took to the microphone to share stories of fear and hope after theviolence south of the border.

Alicia Lejourtold the CBC's Adrian Harewoodshewas left "heartbroken" by the recent violence in the U.S., and felt compelled to help organize the event.

"Just because [Canada is]better in comparison to the United States doesn't mean that we are doing a good job," Lejour said.

"When you're comparing anything to an extreme you probably are going to come out looking pretty good. There definitely is issues with the police in Canada,along with just systematic oppression."

'I didn't feel welcome' in the U.S.

Alex Edwards was born and raised in Ottawa, and said it's sadthat social media partially triggered the Black Lives Matter movement.

"I just think it's really sad that it tooktechnology for people to realize the things that we've been feeling for centuries," Edwards said.

"Video instant proof is shown, and it'slike, 'Oh, maybe there is a problem here.'"

Alexandra Andre grew up in Ottawa, but lived in New York between 2001 and 2006. She said she moved back to Canadabecause she didn't feel "comfortable" as a black woman living in the United States.

"The thing is that, while living in the U.S.Irealized that ... we, they are not wanted there and Ididn't feel welcomed when I did live in the U.S.," Andre said.

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