People across the West Country urged to 'take the knee' in Black Lives Matter protest at police killing of George Floyd
People across the West Country are being urged to 'take the knee' on their doorsteps at 6pm tonight, Wednesday 3 June, in solidarity with anti-racism protesters in the US following the death of George Floyd.
The 46-year-old African American died in Minneapolis on 25 May 2020 when a white police officer knelt on his neck for nearly nine minutes.
Since then there have been riots and protests across the US and other demonstrations around the world.
This evening's doorstep protest is being organised by Stand Up To Racism, which is urging people to join its 'Black Lives Matter' campaign against police brutality and racism, and also to call for justice for the police killing of George Floyd.
A number of public buildings across the region were lit up in purple last night, 2 June, so show support of the people of Minneapolis.
In Bristol, both City Hall and the Museum and Art Gallery went purple.
Bristol City Mayor Marvin Rees and Deputy Mayor Asher Craig have urged Bristolians to join together, to stand against inequality when they see it.
Thousands of people and organisations across the West Country turned their social media accounts black yesterday for #BlackoutTuesday yesterday to make a stand against racism.
This was Exeter City Football Club's message:
Anti-racism protests are planned for this Sunday. There is a 'Black Lives Matter' demonstration at Lemon Quay in Truro, and one on College Green in Bristol and other cities and towns across the South West.
There is however concern it will be impossible to maintain social distancing at such protests.