'Black Lives Matter' has been painted in giant letters across General Gordon Square in a show of solidarity from Greenwich Council in support of the anti-racism and equality movement.

The symbol has been unveiled on the same day as right-wing groups joined Black Lives Matter protesters in central London, with outbreaks of violence between demonstrators and police.

The council leader Danny Thorpe was joined by deputy leader Denise Scott-McDonald and a number of the borough’s faith leaders to reveal the massive lettering, spanning the length of the walkway from Thomas Street to General Gordon Place.

The photos have been widely shared on Twitter following today's unveiling, and the crossing didn't come from taxpayer's money, with contractor JB Riney funding the cost.

 

 

Cllr Thorpe said that the borough had "seen first-hand the truly devastating impact racism can have on our communities," including the deaths of Stephen Lawrence and Lee Rigby.

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"One in five of our residents are from Black backgrounds and in light of recent events, including the Black Lives Matter protests across the globe, we want to strongly reaffirm our commitment to eradicating racism and discrimination in our society," he said.

“Our borough’s diversity is one of our greatest strengths. But it is clear that the fight for equality is far from won, and we need to be honest about the inequalities that still exist within our communities.

“Last year, the Council worked with the Runnymede Trust so we could get an independent assessment of how we were doing as a borough.

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"The hard truth is that the outcomes for our BAME residents in some areas, such as education, housing and involvement with the police still raise serious concerns. We have been working with schools, the police and a wide range of partners to tackle these injustices and will continue to work collaboratively."

Next year, Cllr Thorpe continued, the council will be launching a consultation on a new Royal Greenwich Equality and Equity Charter, calling on private, public and voluntary sector organisations as well as individuals, to contribute.

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"This will help us shape the Charter to create a borough-wide commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion.”