As protests occurred worldwide in solidarity with George Floyd, I attended a local protest in Tonbridge, Kent. Not quite to the scale of the USA and London, it was encouraging to see 100 people in a Tory safe seat.
After walking through the park, we held a silent kneel for George Floyd before being led up the high street. People made way for or joined the protest as we chanted, “No justice, No peace,”and it genuinely felt like we were enacting positive changes.
In a circle of supporters, speakers shared the importance of Black Lives Matter to them. The first speaker was especially motivational, delivering a powerful message about love, peace and hope for the future before receiving immense applause. Speaker after speaker followed with more heart-wrenching stories. A 15 year old girl confessed her reluctance to attend the protest, but expressed beautifully the disillusionment of her generation about racism, and her intent to drive for change.
Readers: educate yourself on protests. Consider attending a protest. Repost information on your stories. Sign petitions. We must show the governments that we are fed up. We must show them that we will not settle for less that systemic change.
Written by Louis Westlake
Media by Ben Hyland
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