Black Lives Matter to help lead Toronto's Pride parade

Black Lives Matter will lead next summer's Pride parade, the event's organizers announced on Wednesday.

The Toronto chapter of the activist group has made headlines for its criticism of police carding as well as the shooting deaths of black men in distress like Andrew Loku. Pride Toronto said in a statement that it hopes the group will "enable conversations about the intersections of liberation, race, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression," at the July 3 parade.

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"We look forward to standing beside and honouring the extremely important and significant work of Black Lives MatterToronto, who are leading a timely movement in our city both boldly and fiercely," said Alica Hall, of Pride Toronto, in a news release.

Hall added those involved in Pride"welcome the opportunity to learn from the coalition, celebrate their successes and give support to the continued fight for black lives."

In addition to marching in the parade, Black Lives Matter members will hold a free panel discussion linking its movement and queer politics on June 29.

"There's no pride in anti-black racism, so this year, let us as a community, come together to provide space for black people, and our struggles, locally and globally," said Black Lives Matter Toronto's co-founder Rodney Diverius in a news release.

The parade's other honourary positions including the grand marshal will be announced later this year.