Yesterday, thousands marched in London in protest against racism and police brutality. They marched in solidarity with those demonstrating in cities across USA following the murder of George Floyd last week by Minneapolis police, as well as in protest at the UK police and government’s own history of racist violence. Congregating at Trafalgar Square at 1pm, demonstrators marched past Downing Street towards the US embassy in Vauxhall, chanting the names of victims of police brutality in the US and UK, holding placards and raising their fists to the sky, and kneeling en masse. The protest followed a smaller demonstration that took place in Peckham the day before.
In the UK, a simultaneous protest took place in Manchester at St Peter’s Square and Deansgate, while across the world, Berlin and Toronto also took to the streets. With more peaceful demonstrations planned over the following days, many feel that social distancing is no longer a priority in the face of a pandemic of state violence that continually takes the lives of black people. However, it is also understandable for those who aren’t comfortable joining a mass demonstration with coronavirus still a threat — particularly those in demographics disproportionately affected by the virus. For those looking to support online, here is a list of fundraisers that are working on the ground to donate to.
Credits
Photography Tom Ivin