If you see something, say something.
That was Manwar Khan’s message to the dozens of people gathered on the steps of Calgary’s City Hall on Saturday morning for an anti-bullying rally, as he urged Albertans not to be a silent bystander when they witness acts of bullying or violence.
“Don’t pretend it’s not happening. Don’t walk away,” said the Edmonton man, as the rain fell and strong winds upturned umbrellas. “Don’t be a bystander. You need to speak up for someone who needs our help.”
It was a deadly beating on an Edmonton LRT several years ago that spurred Khan to launch a province-wide anti-bullying awareness campaign.
He got on a downtown train on Dec. 28, 2012. As the train pulled into Stadium Station, he saw a man chasing and hitting another passenger.
Khan activated the emergency alarm and asked others on the train to help, but got no response.
John Hollar, 29, died in hospital later that week after receiving injuries from a beating that continued until two stops later, where police arrested Jeremy Newborn.
“I expected I would get help, but I didn’t,” Khan said. “I don’t blame any passengers today. All I’m saying is, when something like this happens, we need to step forward. We need to go and get help for that person.”
Manwar Khan, organizer of an anti- bullying rally held at Calgary City Hall on Saturday, August 15, 2015, answers questions from the media.
At Saturday’s rally, Khan was joined by a long list of speakers, including current and former politicians, as well as political hopefuls running in the upcoming federal election. Many drew from their own personal experiences.
Michael Connolly, NDP MLA for Calgary-Hawkwood, spoke of bullying in schools and against LGBTQ students, crediting gay straight alliances for giving kids “a greater sense of belonging.”
Mike Ellis, a retired sergeant and PC MLA for Calgary-West, encouraged witnesses to report incidents to police, adding: “The police would like nothing more than having a chat with a bully.”
Dr. Brendan Miles, a physician and federal Liberal candidate for Calgary Heritage, said he has seen the effects of bullying “all too often,” adding victims often shun social activities and suffer from depression and anxiety.
Several dozen people attend an anti bullying rally on Saturday, August 15, 2015, at Calgary’s City Hall.
Khan said he hopes to visit at least 18 Alberta communities to organize similar rallies and continue travelling for the next few years to promote the campaign. His next stop is Edmonton in September.
So far, the support from Albertans has been overwhelming, he said.
“I can’t stop bullying and violence,” he added. “What I can do is create awareness.”
