On this day in 2020, thousands gathered to support the #BlackLivesMatter movement in St Albans.
The protest, organised by Sanya Qayyum and Chloe Christine, took place in Verulamium Park, attracting an estimated 3,000 attendees.
Participants wore appropriate PPE and practised social distancing, with marshals present to ensure everyone’s safety.
Originally, the march was expected to begin at Morrisons on Hatfield Road and proceed towards St Peter’s Street; however, due to a high level of interest, the location was moved to the park.
The protests across the UK were ignited by the tragic death of George Floyd in the United States.
A video of Mr Floyd’s death, which occurred as a police officer knelt on his neck for nearly nine minutes, sparked outrage and calls for an end to racism worldwide.
Sanya addressed the crowd, stating: "The message is clear and the message is simple - black lives matter!
"That is not to say that other lives do not, but to acknowledge that the issues facing our society are many, so what we mustn’t do is compare our struggles.
"Today’s gathering is not one that ignores the prejudices faced by other minority groups, but today is a day when we are singling out the black community to make you fully aware that we are all with you.
"This is just the beginning! My black friends, do not fear, this is your fight, but you will not fight alone, we are with you!"
Another speaker, known only as Nommy, added: "George Floyd: another person killed because the colour of his skin deemed him inferior.
"Enough is enough! We can’t breathe! Enough of the police brutality, enough of the overt racism, the covert racism... the oppression that we suffer every single day."
MP Daisy Cooper also expressed her support, highlighting the need for action against systemic discrimination.
[From the Herts Ad of June 12, 2020]
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