In Memory of the Afzaal Family
June 3, 2022
A message from Dr. David Malloy, King's President:
From June 5-8, 2022, the people of London will commemorate and remember the Afzaal family who were tragically struck and killed one year ago in a reported anti-Muslim hate crime.
All of us in the King’s community stand in solidarity with the family and friends of Salman Afzaal, Madiha Salman, Talat Afzaal, and Yumna Afzaal, who lost their lives. Two members of the family were closely connected to the Western University community and their deaths sparked important calls for action to stop Islamophobia and hate crimes.
King’s University College, as a place that does not tolerate hate and racism, will be marking the one-year anniversary of their deaths by lowering our flags to half-mast on Monday, June 6.
I encourage you to join me at these London events to remember the family and to work towards stopping racism and hate.
- Representatives from King’s Campus Ministry, the London Interfaith Peace Camp and the President’s office will be participating in a community-organized march on Sunday, June 5, at 1 p.m. It starts at Oakridge Secondary School and will proceed along Oxford Street to the London Muslim Mosque.
- A vigil will be held on Monday, June 6, at 6:30 p.m. where this horrible incident occurred, at the intersection of South Carriage and Hyde Park Roads.
- A public workshop on Islamophobia is being held at the Civic Gardens on Tuesday, June 7 at 9 a.m. It is being supported by the King’s School of Social Work, and is organized by the Muslim Resource Centre and the Islamic Social Services Association.
- On June 8, the Muslim Resource Centre and Islamic Social Services Association, supported by King’s School of Social Work, are offering two half-day (three-hour) workshops for those working in the social service sector and education sector, respectively. These free, in-person events will have a host of knowledgeable and thought-provoking presenters discussing how to understand and resist Islamophobia along with cyber-hate.
- Western University is holding an in-person gathering on June 7 from 4 - 6 p.m. in Thames Hall, Room 3118, for Muslim and/or Pakistani-identifying students, co-facilitated by Student Experience staff who identify as Muslim. This is an opportunity to come together in a safe space, to honour experiences within the community, and to support and affirm one another. Registration is not required and drop-ins are welcome.
The coming days are not only a somber time for our community but also a stressful and anxious time for many people. I feel this too. King’s offers the following counselling and support to our students and employees:
- Students can make an appointment to meet with Personal Counselling, or call 519-433-3491, extension 4321 or email acsd@kings.uwo.ca.
- Students can use our after-hours resources link.
- Students can also access Good2Talk at 1-866-925-5454 or Reach Out at 519-433-2023.
- Pastoral Counselling is also available.
- A full list of mental health and wellness resources can be found on our website.
- Faculty and staff who would like to speak with a counsellor may contact King's Employee Assistance Program service provider, FSEAP, at 1-844-720-1212.
As always, take care of yourself, each other and help us continue to make this place a safe and welcoming community for everyone.