In recent months, we have seen a wave of protests sweeping through different cities globally following the tragic killing of George Floyd whilst being apprehended by the Minneapolis Police. What began as a local anti-police brutality protest, quickly spread in the US and many places abroad – small towns to large cities.
The criticism of the US police force by international groups and domestic civil rights organisations triggered worldwide protests in European countries: (Belgium, Denmark, France, Holland, Hungary, Germany, Italy, Spain & UK), where minority communities have often done little to grapple with their colonial legacies and race issues. Thousands marched in Amsterdam, Bern, Berlin, Paris, London, Manchester and in Bristol, protesters toppled a statue of slave trader Edward Colston. The masses listened to speeches calling for an end to institutionalised racism and a minute of silence was observed in memory of people of colour killed.
Many public figures have made substantial monetary contributions to support the protests, affiliated organisations and brands have been called out for their lack of diversity and insensitivity to issues regarding race and systemic oppression.
In Australia, protests in Brisbane, Melbourne and Sydney drew the largest crowds despite the ongoing pandemic restrictions. At the Sydney protest, masks and hand sanitiser were given out and organisers pleaded with people to maintain social distancing. Thousands marched from the City Town Hall to Belmore Park in support of the BLM movement and an increased focus on the mistreatment of indigenous people. Peaceful demonstrations also took place in Coffs Harbour, Lismore, Newcastle and Wyong.
In Melbourne, large crowds of protesters flooded the CBD and fines could be issued to the Melbourne rally organisers for breaching the pandemic guidelines. The organisers called on the masses to remain peaceful as they began their march outside Parliament House. Most dressed in black to show solidarity for the anti-police brutality and anti-racial profiling protests in both America and Australia. A large police task force closed off Swanson Street as protestors moved peacefully from the State Library to Federation Square, where they gathered at the intersection as the night fell.
These social movements call on society as a whole to reflect and take a stand against racial inequality and injustices that have long plagued our beautiful world for centuries.
Similarly to the Civil Rights Movement of 1963 and the ending of Apartheid in 1994, the anti-police brutality protests are forever etched in history and will hopefully inspire positive change going forward.
