‘Moving’ to see so many at city protest
The organisers of the Black Lives Matter protest in Bath have spoken about how “emotional” the event became due to the huge support it attracted.
Around 1,200 people attended the peaceful protest in Green Park on Saturday held in response to racism worldwide and the death of George Floyd in America.
Grace Davies-redmond, 21, was one of a group of people who organised and help run the event, besides being one of its speakers.
She said: “We had no idea how big the support would be when we were planning as it’s hard to predict.
“Looking out at the crowd and seeing so many black and white faces of all ages was really moving.
“I was glad that it wasn’t just young people but people of all ages who had come to support and learn.”
Protesters gathered at 2.30pm on Saturday (June 6) to protest against racism in the UK and Bath.
There was only one incident Grace recalled which involved a white man shouting abuse at the group.
Police intervened and the incident was quickly dealt with.
An Avon and Somerset police spokesperson said: “Officers on duty at the Black Lives Matter protest in Bath on Saturday, June 6, intervened when a man attempted to disrupt the event.
“They took his details, advised him about his behaviour and ensured he left the area.”
Grace said it was important the event took place in Bath as racism is present in the city.
She said: “I have seen so many comments on Facebook underneath articles saying racism doesn’t exist in Bath only in the US.
“But then under those comments would be racist comments, literally proving why this is needed here.
“It’s not so much the stand-out incidents of racism that is a problem, although that does occur, it’s more the every-day microaggressions against black people that white people don’t realise.
“For example when someone says ‘but where are you really from’ or makes remarks on your hair etcetera.
“We wanted to teach people about the systematic problems in society with racism.”
Grace was one of a number of people who gave a speech at the event.
She said: “I barely remember speaking as I was in action mode but looking out and seeing those faces really pulled at my heartstrings.
Grace said it was clear everyone present was trying to keep socially distant and the group was there for a very good reason.
■■ A clothes retailer from Bath is donating all of its profits to the Black Lives Matter Movement for a year.
Go Getter World, is run by Sam Longstaff, 24, and his business partner Jackson Grainger, 23.
Both men grew up in Bath and set up the clothing brand two years ago.
The company have now made it their mission to help the Black Lives Matter movement by donating all profits to it until the end of 2020.