BLACK LIVES MATTER DEMOS TO BE HELD
DEMONSTRATIONS will take place in both Bray and Greystones on Saturday afternoon, as part of the ‘All Eyez On USA’ campaign.
A small number of Bray people gathered at the bandstand on Monday afternoon in their own protest of solidarity with black Americans.
That coincided with a march of thousands in Dublin, who marched to the US Embassy from the Spire on O’Connell Street, chanting ‘ black lives matter; no justice, no peace’.
Dissent began in Minneapolis the previous Monday, triggered by the death of George Floyd. Mr Floyd died as a police officer pressed a knee into his neck for more than eight minutes. Police officer Derek Chauvin has been charged with murder.
A number of Bray residents decided not to travel to Dublin due to Covid-19 restrictions, and marked their support of the campaign in their home town so that they could do social distancing.
On Saturday, June 6, at 3 p.m. groups will rally at the bandstand in Bray, and at Burnaby Park in Greystones, as part of a global day of action and solidarity for black people in America.
Both events are backed by United Against Racism and the Movement of Asylum Seekers in Ireland.
Organisers are urging people to maintain two metres distance between each household group.
Those further than 5km from their nearest protest can join on social media instead using the hashtag #alleyezonusa.
People are invited to bring posters, banners and flowers or decorated rocks to create a small memorial.
Other locations involved include the American Embassy in Dublin, the Spire on O’Connell Street, and other communities around the country. ‘We can let white America know that we are watching and demanding that they make huge changes to end violence towards black Americans,’ said the All Eyes on USA movement in a statement.