Minster FM News
#TakeTheKnee protest in York
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Published by David Dunning at 9:11pm 3rd June 2020. (Updated at 9:16pm 3rd June 2020)
Main Photo - Richard McDougall from @TheYorkMix
Old and young dropped down on one knee in a moving and powerful protest against racism outside York Minster this evening (Wednesday).
The York Justice For George Floyd vigil, organised by Stand Up To Racism, saw residents join in solidarity with a world shocked by his death.
Photos - Alan Milner at MilnerCreative
Mr Floyd died after a white officer held him down by pressing a knee into his neck in Minneapolis, USA, on May 25, sparking international protests as part of the Black Lives Matter movement.
The York protesters said they were careful to abide by social distancing outside the Minster.
Organisers had deliberately limited the numbers taking part.
They then marked spaces that were two metres apart, and directed protesters to them.
People carried placards with messages including, ‘No Justice, No Peace’ and ‘A System Can’t Fail Those It Was Never Designed To Protect’.
By kneeling, they followed in the tradition of protest against racism and police brutality begun four years ago by American athletes, who would ‘take the knee’ during the US national anthem.
After holding a one-minute silence, protesters marched through York chanting ‘I Can’t Breathe’, ‘No Peace’ and ‘George Floyd’.
According to media analyst Ismail Fahmi, York was once of the most active cities in the world talking about #BlackLivesMatter on social media.
You can see more photos by Richard McDougall at York Mix
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