News / Black Lives Matter
March against racial injustice through streets of Bristol
Shoppers stopped to listen as protesters paused in the centre of Cabot Circus to speak out against racism and inequality on Sunday afternoon.
It marked the middle of a Black Lives Matter march that saw people turn out in the soggy weather to walk once more through the streets of Bristol to call for systemic change.
The sound of a siren filled the air, along with chants of ‘defund the police’ and ‘Black Lives Matter’ as the protesters wound their way from College Green through Broadmead and on to Castle Park.
is needed now More than ever
Protesters also made their voices heard outside Bridewell Police Station.
Protesters made their voices heard outside Bridewell Police Station
Shoppers stood and listened in Cabot Circus
The protest, which was organised by All Black Lives Bristol, also marked the start of a programme of events, panel discussions, workshops and more the organisation is hosting throughout Black History Month.
An open mic session in the bandstand of Castle Park heard people speak out about their own experiences to a socially- distanced crowd. There was also spoken word performances, encouragement to support black-owned businesses and calls to go beyond protest in the fight against racial inequality.
“We want actual progress, actual change,” said one speaker.
“We are still here in the rain, we are still fighting after being knocked down.”
All Black Lives Bristol members are calling on the government to:
- Commit to ending racial discrimination in the criminal justice system.
- Substantially reform the education system.
- Commit to ending racial health disparities.
- Implement the recommendations of all the reviews already undertaken by the government.
- Stand with the Black community in the US.
The march comes four months after Colston’s statue was toppled in Bristol
The protest went through Broadmead
Protesters walked through Cabot Circus
Signs reminded people to wear masks and maintain social distancing
The march ended in Castle Park
Many different people stood to speak out on the bandstand
Find out more about what All Black Lives Bristol organisers have planned during Black History Month via www.instagram.com/allblacklivesbris/ or www.facebook.com/allblacklivesbris.
All photos by Ellie Pipe
Read more: How do we make Bristol more equal?
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