March, 68, died Saturday, July 20, at Sunnybrook Hospital.
He left an intensive document of group involvement, incomes the title of “elder”.
March, amongst different issues, was the founding-director of the Zero Gun Violence Motion.
“He labored tirelessly, on the grassroots degree, to encourage individuals to work collectively and take motion,” stated Olivia Chow, Mayor of the Metropolis of Toronto. “He usually stated it was his function to help communities by the painful grief and traumatic impression of gun violence.”
A cross-section of people and organizations has paid tribute to March, and prolonged condolences to his household. He was “a hero”, stated Toronto Police Chief Myron Demkiw.
“Louis March was a group chief and anti-gun violence advocate, who labored to unite individuals and assist us come collectively and work in direction of zero gun violence,” Demkiw stated.
March was “a real chief”, stated Jackie Taylor, government vice-president of the Ontario Federal of Labour (OFL), which issued an announcement on the passing of March.
“His legacy will proceed to encourage future generations,” Taylor stated. “We’re mourning the lack of a real chief in our group. His years of dedication to empowering younger Black people have left a mark on all of us.”
Though grieving the passing of March, “we additionally have a good time his outstanding contributions”, stated the OFL. “He leaves behind a profound legacy and a era of mentored youth to hold on his advocacy.”
March lived a modelled life and in addition “exemplified the phrases kindness, selflessness and imaginative and prescient”, stated Sadu, an writer and storyteller.
“He modeled his life for us to see. He didn’t simply go to conferences and talked about doing one thing; he truly did it,” she stated.
“When Louis is your pal, he’s your pal. You assume that you simply’re his solely pal,’’ added Sadu. “I keep in mind him as an enormous.”
Sadu applauded the “good work’’ of March, expressing optimism that “there can be now a brand new emergence of management that was mentored by him”.
March is survived by a number of relations together with his spouse Wendie; son Troy; his mom; and two brothers.
The household has introduced an official group thanksgiving celebration “in honour of our ancestor, Elder March”.
Members of the group are being invited to register to obtain a ticket to attend the occasion. Registration may be finished through Eventbrite.
“With pleasure, gratitude and unity, Group members are invited to share loving reminiscences of Louis and the numerous methods he touched our lives and formed our imaginative and prescient for a powerful, resilient and peaceable society,” a household discover stated.
“It’ll be a day of music, spoken phrase, dance, good vibes, inspiration and reflection on Elder Louis’s legacy as he begins his journey as a treasured ancestor.”
The celebration in honour of March is Sunday, August 25, 1 pm, on the St Lawrence Centre for the Arts, 27 Entrance Road East.
