Showing solidarity

Saturday 20 June 2020

A Black Lives Matters solidarity protest to be held today is expected to be attended by hundreds of people, and possibly more.

As social distancing measures have been removed, with the Bailiwick now in phase 5 of its lockdown exit, there are no restrictions on how many people can attend the gathering at lunchtime today.

More than 500 had RSVPed to a Facebook event page saying they were 'Going' with more than 600 saying they were 'Interested" in the event.

Pictured: The event page on Facebook suggests hundreds, possibly thousands of people could attend today's protest.

The organisers of the event have liaised with Guernsey Police and Public Health to ensure the peaceful protest is staged inline with any recommendations.

It was originally due to be held last Saturday but the organisers agreed to move it to today so that it could be held during phase 5 so no one would risk flouting social distancing guidelines by attending.

The event has also been moved from North Beach car park to the Quay, between the Albert and Crown piers.

People attending can gather from 11:30 with the event itself due to be held between 12:00 and 13:00.

It's been described as "a peaceful protest against anti-black racism and police brutality within the United States and worldwide".

The organisers said: "We want to remember and honour the black people who have lost their lives to police violence in shockingly disproportionate numbers (including George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, Ahmaud Arbery, David McAtee, Tamir Rice, Ramarley Graham, and so many others).

"This is a peaceful, static protest that will not involve a march. The purpose of the protest is to raise awareness of the issues of racist police violence and show solidarity with black people in our local community and globally. We need to show the black community that they are not alone and encourage white people to question their privilege and history."

Pictured: Pieter Durman, Josh Macksoni and Eva James are part of a new anti discrimination group which has been set up by young adults who say no one should accept it.

Another group set up to tackle discrimination locally is 'Guerns Against Discrimination'.

A member of that group, Josh Macksoni (pictured above) is due to speak at today's protest.

"‘No justice no peace’ is really big at the moment, but without equality for everyone there can’t be any real justice," he said. "Justice can’t exist in a place where not everyone is equal and until we have that level footing we can’t change attitudes.

"I cannot stand for black rights or against racial discrimination and not stand against other discrimination.

"Discrimination isn’t a reality that we should accept."

Pictured top: Guernsey's Black Lives Matter protest is being held today.