Second Black Lives Matter protest
A SECOND vocal Black Lives Matter protest in response to the death of George Floyd in the US is planned for Sunday in Coventry city centre.
The rally calling for justice over the 46-year-old’s fatal encounter with police is scheduled to take place in Broadgate Square between 1.30pm and 3pm.
The organiser, who asked to be named as Georgina, said in a message on Twitter: “The turnout is expected to be huge. The plan is to meet in Godiva Square. There will be some speeches, a kneel for George Floyd and people will be chanting messages.
“We want to pay respects to George and also draw attention to the injustices in our own country.
“Our main message is BLACK LIVES MATTER.”
Georgina, from Coventry, added: “We are encouraging protesters to socially distance and protect themselves. Also advising that shielded people should NOT attend.
“Closer to the day we will be releasing more advice such as advising people to wear masks and gloves.”
An e-flyer for the new event being circulated on Twitter advises: “Please do not attend if you have Coronavirus symptoms.”
It follows a protest in the square on June 2 which was held by Stand up to Racism Coventry and other groups in response to the death of the unarmed black man, who died after he was arrested outside a shop in Minneapolis, Minnesota.
Protesters listened to speeches and shouted “no justice, no peace” and “I can’t breathe, Black Lives Matter” as they gathered in the plaza. The peaceful event was billed as being ‘socially distanced’ and there was no intervention by the police despite the crowd exceeding the number permitted to gather at one time.
The US has been convulsed in protests and civil unrest after footage emerged of police officer Derek Chauvin, who is white, kneeling on Mr Floyd’s neck as he gasped for breath and pleaded for help.
Following the incident, the Black Lives Matter movement has swept through America with protests on the streets, many of which boiled over into rioting and looting of shops.
People have also shared their support in England, with thousands attending a protest march to the US Embassy on the banks of the River Thames at the weekend. Liverpool Football Club joined the chorus of protest with its players ‘taking a knee’ in the centre circle of a training session at Anfield.
Coventry Stand up to Racism, Black Conscious Coventry, Coventry Trades Council and Coventry Against Racism were behind Tuesday’s protest. Stand up to Racism is believed to be discussing with Georgina about how to organise the new event as it gains traction on social media. Community leaders in Coventry rallied support behind the cry for justice earlier this week. Nathaniel Prescod of Black Conscious Coventry said: “George Floyd died in the most inhumane way, at the hands of the State. We stand in solidarity with our brothers and sisters in the United States. No justice, no peace.”
Tony Conway from Coventry Against Racism said: “Words are not enough in this situation. Institutional racism exists in Britain as well as the United States, that is why we see a disproportionate number of deaths amongst black and minority ethnic communities from Covid 19.
“This is why we see citizens deported and racist laws passed.
“Coventry Against Racism stands in solidarity today and each day.”