For many, the end of the year is a time of reflection. We at Stop the Stack YYC are reflecting on the last 365 days and what it has looked like for Black activists like Adora Nwofor and Taylor McNallie, as well as all peoples who have been and continue to be violently pushed to the margins by the State. It was another difficult year for Taylor, to say the least. As we summarize the time, money and energy Taylor spent battling these violent systems this year, we urge you to reflect on the ways in which you’ve been complicit in these systems, and find ways you can support her and those most oppressed by these systems.
Taylor’s 2024 began in 2021. For defending herself from an assault by an off-duty sheriff in August 2021, Taylor was sentenced in December 2023 to 30 days in jail to be served intermittently, starting January 5, 2024. She was expected to arrive at the Calgary Remand Centre no later than 7pm on Friday, and was incarcerated until late Sunday afternoon. A reminder: Taylor received the same sentence length as former police officer Alex Dunn, who viciously assaulted the late Dalia Kafi and rendered her unconscious. However, his sentence was served half at home under house arrest and the other half on curfew, while Taylor’s was served behind bars. The judge even acknowledged Taylor’s sentence was "ironically" the same as Dunn’s.
After already serving 5 weekends and preparing to go back to jail the next day, Taylor received news that her sentence had been stayed (paused) as her sentencing and conviction appeal were officially accepted and in motion. For 5 weeks Taylor was cuffed, searched, stripped naked, and left to sit in a 32-person unit alone. Incarceration - and just the sheer process of getting into the jail itself - has a negative and harmful impact on one’s physical, mental, and emotional wellbeing. This all took an immeasurable toll on Taylor.
COURT PROCEEDINGS & POLICE INTERACTIONS IN 2024
January: CHARGES DROPPED Charges related to counter-protest against anti-trans white nationalists in June 2023 were dropped for Adora Nwofor.
March: INTERIM INJUNCTION DENIED Trial for defamation lawsuit brought by Cst. Peterson against Taylor McNallie. This matter remains ongoing.
June: DEFERRED Trial for conviction and sentencing appeal for August 2021 assault and mischief charges against Taylor; STS members and supporters gathered outside the courthouse the morning of June 20 only to find out that court was pushed to the afternoon, then deferred almost 5 months later to November 7.
July: BOGUS TRAFFIC STOP Taylor is pulled over because her "truck stands out".
August: BOGUS TRAFFIC STOP Taylor is pulled over for "matching the description".
October: UPDATE TO CONDITIONS Taylor’ conditions surrounding protest attendance is updated.
October: FINED Taylor is fined $250 for "unlicensed dog" after a person reported her to the City of Calgary when their unleashed dog encroached on Taylor’s leashed dog’s space in a leashed-only space.
November: APPEAL Trial for conviction and sentencing appeals for August 2021 assault charges; still awaiting a verdict, which can take up to six months.
November: FINES STAYED Taylor was to attend Traffic Court for 2 violations after a minor “hit and run” incident involving a white woman in December 2023; Taylor paid a $162 fine; this court appearance was cancelled the day before.
December: CHARGES DROPPED; PEACE BOND SIGNED Charges related to the counter-protest against anti-trans white nationalists in June 2023 were dropped for Taylor by her signing into an 18-month Common Law Peace Bond.
MONEY SPENT
In 2024, Taylor has paid almost $25,000 in legal fees. The total amount of legal fees paid since 2020 are OVER $40,000. On top of navigating the financial stress of stacked charges, as a self employed, single mother, Taylor also faces the loss of contracts brought about by negative press and media attention. This is yet another way in which the (in)justice system perpetuates violence – by creating stigma around those who have been incarcerated, thereby limiting and preventing future income. Most, if not all, major news outlets continue to paint a completely inaccurate and harmful image of Taylor, reporting charges that have been intentionally designed to smear her reputation. This has made it especially difficult for this single Mom to find work.
ENERGY SPENT
Not only has Taylor spent an exorbitant amount of funds and time fighting against the state, she has also expended a tremendous amount emotionally, mentally and physically. In addition to ongoing court appearances and police interactions, Taylor’s conditions require her to report to probation and attend counselling on a bi-weekly/monthly basis. She will be on probation for another 18-months. These court appearances also do not include the countless meetings, phone calls, and emails with lawyers. There is never a day where Taylor can think about anything other than legal matters. Every moment spent facing this reality has created lifelong trauma, distress and harm. The violence is constant for Taylor – it is the past, it is the present, it is the future.
A reminder that the system isn’t designed to punish only via incarceration and financial abuse, but also by physically, mentally and emotionally draining people.
35,485 PEOPLE INCARCERATED
Taylor is not alone in this suffering. According to World Prison Brief, 35,485 people were incarcerated throughout so-called Canada as of March 2023. This includes folks in pre-trial detention and remand centres. Since February 2024, members of the Stop the Stack team, particularly Taylor, have continued to offer support to folks who are, or have been, incarcerated. With the help of a $1,500 microgrant from Camas Books, Stop the Stack has began providing support outside Remand Centre via rides, snacks, access to a phone, peer support and connecting with family members waiting for their loved ones to be released. We have also been able to contribute to canteen funds for those still incarcerated. Incarceration is meant to punish, and one way is by separating people from community. We continue to find ways to keep community alive.
AT LEAST 100 PEOPLE KILLED BY KKKANADIAN COPS
Based on data collected by The Media Co-op, at least 100 people were killed by cops in so-called Canada this year. This is likely an undercount, as there are limits of what is known and available to the public, while media will also separate what is and is not consider "police-involved" e.g. in-custody vs. use of force.
Carceral systems continue to oppress and abuse those most marginalized, especially those using their voice for true justice, like Adora and Taylor. While this was a challenging and difficult year, we must have hope of a better future. We thank everyone who has supported this campaign, whether it be writing letters, creating videos, attending court, writing for STS, amplifying STS and contributing funds. To quote Taylor: "Let us remember that for those most oppressed, globally, by these systems, the act of doing something else – relying on networks of care outside of the state – is the natural instinct of a people to ensure their survival. There was a time without police, a time without incarceration, and there will be a time again."
CALLS TO ACTION
1. Donate to the legal fund
2. Sign our letter of support
3. Send a letter of complaint to CPS
4. Share our Press Kit
5. Write a testimonial or create a video of support for Taylor and Adora
For more, visit: https://linktr.ee/stopthestackyyc
Join us in standing up against legal abuse and police corruption in Calgary!
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