Growing up in the West Island, Allison Saunders spent much of her life working to fit into a homogeneous community not known or celebrated for its diversity. After the murder of George Floyd on May 25, 2020, that changed. In June 2020, Saunders brought Take a Knee to Valois Park. She was inspired to bring the conversation to the West Island after attending the event in Notre-Dame-de-Grâce. 

Saunders explains, “After attending the Take A Knee event in NDG, I recognized that there was no opportunity to take a public stand against racism and discrimination in the community I am raising my children in.” Her friend and neighbour Kathleen McAdams was also at the event. After discussions with McAdams, the pair decided to bring that spirit to Valois Park with West Island Takes a Knee. 

For their Pointe-Claire friends and neighbours, it was about more than just standing against racism—it was about starting a dialogue in the community about the ways in which racial bias looks different here. 

Take a Knee has been held annually in Valois Park ever since. Now, for its fifth edition, Saunders wants to change things up. Instead of a repeat of previous years, Saunders would like the community to come together in a new way to Take a Seat. Instead of gathering to listen, the goal is to encourage dialogue among neighbours. 

Saunders is inviting you to a community picnic. “By sitting together, sharing a meal, and talking, we might strengthen the bonds that connect us despite our differences.”

The event is scheduled for June 9, 2024, at Valois Park. The idea is simple, she says: “Bring a blanket, some lawn chairs, your family, and the willingness to have a meal and conversation with the other people who make up our community.”

There will be a designated area for open discussions on topics ranging from racial equality to accessibility and inclusion. The goal is to create an environment where everyone feels comfortable sharing their experiences and ideas with each other. As has been done for the last four years, Saunders is also encouraging you to bring donations for On Rock Community Services. It’s another way we can support our community..

The conversation that started back in 2020 is ongoing. While we have Take(n) a Knee, in some cases, we have also taken some steps backwards. We need to keep working towards equity for all members of our community, but the path to equity starts with conversations between neighbours.

By coming together at Take a Seat 2024, Allison Saunders hopes the community can continue to dismantle the barriers that divide us, fostering a sense of unity and mutual respect. It's a small step, but it's in the right direction—towards a future where everyone in the West Island feels they belong.