BLM: A Movement... London Pledged To Abolish The Violence of George Floyd

It has been over 5 months since the “brutal killing of the 46-year old African- American man named George Floyd by a white officer in Minneapolis, which had sparked a “reckoning over police brutality and racial prejudice, not just in the United States, but around the world. There were several protests held in London, which were organized by the ‘Black Lives Matter’ and ‘Stand Up To Racism’ movements. “A large demonstration took place in Hyde Park in central London, attended by hundreds of people.” On this serious note, this has sparked a re-revolunation of our History and Black Heroes.

However, this happened during the Global Covid-19 Pandemic, which was’t safe for the people. "I was wearing a mask and I wanted other people to wear a mask and be safe with it. But a lot of people weren't and there wasn't really anything we could do," he said. I think it was more important to do the protest than not call it and have this injustice done”, stated by Malaika Gangooly (organised a BLM protest in Essex, London). I definitely agree that this injustice and discrimination should be stopped and actually in fact be banned right now itself, and would argue that racism is a pandemic. I also believe that this is the hope for the future. 

Yes, All lives matter. But shouting this wouldn’t address the issue we’re having at the moment. Figures show “nearly 40% of our top cultural figures come from migrant or minority ethnic backgrounds” – but barriers still exist. Racism whether blunt or subtle has existed around the world but in London as well for the longest time on the planet.

We need to redouble our efforts to support Black culture, Black voices, Black artists and authors, Black leaders everyday. Let’s bring equality throughout the World. Let’s stand together to support the Black community. A year 11 student named Ana-Maria Dumbrava from Hounslow East’s school, supported the ‘Black Lives Matter’ movement by working with the organisers to arrange a “peaceful protest”. She also said that “these protests are peaceful” and that she and the organisers would “make sure that the people who attend these protests know that violence defeats the purpose and cause.” It is such a proud thing to say that one of my colleagues has taken this incredible initiative to do this, despite being a non-black female, she has also supported the LGBTQ+ community. It definitely takes courage to contribute to such a wonderful community despite what society thinks. The picture displays the peaceful protest.

Lastly, I’ll leave you with the thoughts of a Year 12 Head Student from Hounslow East School about this: “The general public of London have been quite responsive to the resurgence of the black lives matter movement in recent times most notably with marches and protests. Additionally, I appreciate the amount of support seen in social media and how it was used to raise awareness and educate people.” She also added that it’s important to address systemic discrimination with laws, institutional guidelines and so on, however, there will never be  genuine change within our society until we tackle the implicit biases and misconceptions of the invidual. Because this is the root from which all the hurt and injustices stem from”.

All I want to say to each and every one of you reading this is that, I wish you all the love and peace during this time. 

Here are some helpful links:

  • Covid: How to protest during a pandemic; article by the Guardian

Link: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-54477523

  • Black Lives Matter documentaries on Netflix

Link: https://www.netflix.com/gb/browse/genre/81299227?so=su

  • Black Lives Matter reading list of books

Link: https://www.booktable.net/black-lives-matter-reading-list

Written By: Charlotte Picardo (Year 12- Kingsley Academy)