Racial outburst caught on tape prompts Kingston councillors to review anti-racism policies

It was a shocking case of racism caught on tape in July. Leshia Dixon filmed her neighbour making racist remarks at her, outside their Division Street housing complex. Dixon says when she heard her neighbour say n****r, she was shocked. Dixon posted the video to social media and it went viral. A week later, a rally was held outside the same housing complex where the incident took place.

On Tuesday night, Dixon’s sister Vanessa Ophelia Rigault made a passionate plea to Kingston City Council to help make a change.

“For a person of colour, when I hear that word, fear gets into me. I feel small and I feel ashamed of the colour of my skin,” Rigault expressed during a delegation to councillors.

Tweet This Click to share quote on Twitter: "For a person of colour, when I hear that word, fear gets into me. I feel small and I feel ashamed of the colour of my skin," Rigault expressed during a delegation to councillors.

Rigault added, “If somebody is saying that these racist things are happening, it should be investigated. It should be taken just as seriously as if a woman says, ‘I’ve been raped,'” activist Aimee Van Vlack said.

“When I saw this video, I felt sick and I felt embarrassed, and even though I had these feelings, I do know that this is something that’s not new to Kingston,” said Van Vlack.

Tweet This Click to share quote on Twitter: "When I saw this video, I felt sick and I felt embarrassed, and even though I had these feelings, I do know that this is something that's not new to Kingston," said Van Vlack.

Kingston city councillors are taking a stand, as well.

“Even if it happens once in the city, once is too much,” said Coun. Ryan Boehme.

Tweet This Click to share quote on Twitter: "Even if it happens once in the city, once is too much," said Coun. Ryan Boehme.

On Tuesday, councillors unanimously passed a motion to review the city’s anti-racism policies. It includes educating all city staff to recognize different types of racism. The motion also encourages all city-funded organizations to examine current practices and policies to make sure they align with the city’s unified vision. But Coun. Kevin George pointed out that for the motion to succeed, community members must be willing to step up, as well.

“It’s going to take the general public out there, the people that love this community — it’s going to be up to them,” said Coun. George.

Tweet This Click to share quote on Twitter: "It's going to take the general public out there, the people that love this community — it's going to be up to them," said Coun. George.

He added, “They are the ones that are going to have to enact the policy that we create.”

Rigault attended Tuesday night’s council meeting on behalf of her sister.

The move to take a closer look at the city’s anti-racism policies may not erase the hate she heard that day, but Rigault says she’s hopeful it’s a step in the right direction.

As for her sister, Dixon says she’s received a lot of support from the community who were upset with what they saw and heard.

Rigault hopes Town Homes Kingston, the property management company that leases to her sister, and the neighbour caught on tape, will adopt a similar policy that will deal with racism on the property.