Council lights the way in anti-race campaign
NEWCASTLE Civic Centre has been illuminated in purple to show support for the Black Lives Matter movement.
The global campaign is demonstrating solidarity with black and minority ethnic communities against violence and systematic racism.
The US is experiencing widescale protests after the shocking death of unarmed African-American man George Floyd, who died after a police officer knelt on his neck for more than eight minutes in Minneapolis last week.
Black communities across America have taken a stand against ongoing issues of discrimination - and have been met with some horrifying shows of force by police and other agencies.
Further peaceful protests were held in London, Manchester and Cardiff over the weekend.
A call for people to congregate at Monument in Newcastle city centre on Saturday was circulated online but the organiser has now put the brakes on.
Activists looking to hold rallies in solidarity with the BLM movement have faced juggling their commitment to protest with social-distancing guidelines.
Newcastle United players participated in a symbolic kneeling position at Darsley Park on Tuesday to show their support.
Newcastle City Council leader Nick Forbes asked for the city’s historic Civic Centre to be lit up purple in support of Mr Floyd and those seeking justice for him.
He said: “It is important everyone takes time to pause and reflect on the horrific death of George Floyd and this ongoing global situation.
“On behalf of the city of Newcastle I would like to offer our thoughts to everyone affected by these awful events. “Newcastle is proud to be a safe, welcoming city with many vibrant and diverse communities. We do not welcome any form of discrimination, hate speech or racially motivated activity and that is why we stand united with the Black Lives Matter movement. “The scenes of violent protests in America are shocking and I know many of our communities will be feeling pain, anger and sadness at the chaos that is tearing communities apart. “At a time when the world should be coming together to overcome a shared enemy, the issue of institutionalised racism has reared its ugly head again and split our global family. “I would encourage anyone, regardless of their race, who feels upset by what they have seen, to make their voices heard in a constructive, peaceful way. “There are petitions which can be signed, charities to support and communities to embrace. “Silence is compliance and we must all stand together to ensure justice for all.”