Hundreds march through Manchester in protest over death of George Floyd in US
- Protesters gathered in support of the #BlackLivesMatter movement
- Tribute paid to George Floyd who died after being held down by police officer in Minneapolis
George Floyd demo BLM from Northern Quota on Vimeo.
Hundreds of people gathered in St Peter’s Square in Manchester to march in solidarity with US protesters following the death of George Floyd.
They began by kneeling in tribute to Floyd at 1pm. Those who were unable to attend were urged on social media to kneel wherever they could.
The demonstration followed with protesters marching peacefully through Manchester city centre, chanting “black lives matter” and carrying handmade signs.
#MCRBLM #BlackLivesMatter Manchester UK pic.twitter.com/Lto1UAXRWB
— Taylor (@KapturedGaming) May 31, 2020
One protester who did not wish to be named said: “We’re constantly seeing innocent black people get killed by the police, by people who should be protecting us. Black people should not live in fear that they could be killed because of the colour of their skin.
“This isn’t just an issue in America, it’s here in the UK. We need to stand up and speak out against all the injustice. We need to see change.
“Black people should not be killed for being black. Black lives matter.”
White and non-black POC (people of colour) are being called upon to use their privilege to speak out and support the #BlackLivesMatter movement.
The protester added: “Everyone should be outraged by what has happened. It isn’t just black people who should be speaking up and protesting.
“Silence truly is betrayal, use your voice and use your platform to speak up. Donate, sign petitions and educate yourselves on black history.”
Protests and riots erupted across the US after Floyd died afer being forcibly restrained by the neck by police officer Derek Chauvin on 25 May. Chauvin has since been charged with third degree murder.
Chauvin kneeled on Floyd’s neck for eight minutes despite Floyd stating he could not breathe. His last words “I can’t breathe” have been shared across social media to call for justice and to raise awareness about police brutality.
Over the last few days, people have taken to social media to call for an end to police brutality towards black people, using the hashtag #BlackLivesMatter to raise money, organise protests and raise awareness.
People across the UK have shared their outrage about the racism and the police brutality that black people face.
Social media users are using the hashtag #SayTheirName to draw attention to black people in the UK who have lost their lives to racially motivated crimes.
A further demonstration in Manchester is planned for Saturday (6 June).
please use your platform to SHARE WITH FRIENDS AND FAMILY! #MCRBLM #MANCHESTER #MANCHESTERBLACKLIVESMATTER #JusticeForGeorgeFlyod #justiceforbelly #BLACK_LIVES_MATTER pic.twitter.com/ZiUk0QR1Wo
— manchestermarch (@MarchManchester) May 30, 2020