‘This is unacceptable:’ Russell mayor reacts to racist attack on 10-year-old Black boy

The mayor of Russell is outraged after a racist incident in his town, and he's encouraging residents to have a talk with their family members about it to ensure a brighter future.

Mayor Pierre Leroux issued a statment on Tuesday, September 29, a week after a Black 10-year-old boy was attacked in Russell by others his age due to the colour of his skin. The boy had his arm broken in two places.

“This is unacceptable,” writes Leroux.

Some residents have been saying this incident is a “one-off,” and doesn't reflect the community as a whole, according to the mayor. But he says, “although we may not experience these ourselves, such acts do happen to our friends, family and neighbours.”

Leroux is encouraging residents to talk about this act of violence, insisting “we must be better.”

“We must be willing to confront racism and bullying in all its forms,” he says. “It takes a village to raise a child, and the children in our area depend on our community to make their future better.”

“Let us lead through example, compassion and the understanding that we are all equal,” the mayor concludes.