Dozens join protest in Wakefield city centre in support of Black Lives Matter protesters

Dozens of people in Wakefield took part in a protest to show solidarity with Black Lives Matter protesters around the world.
Dozens of people in Wakefield took part in a protest to show solidarity with Black Lives Matter protesters around the world. Photo: Wakefield Stand Up To RacismDozens of people in Wakefield took part in a protest to show solidarity with Black Lives Matter protesters around the world. Photo: Wakefield Stand Up To Racism
Dozens of people in Wakefield took part in a protest to show solidarity with Black Lives Matter protesters around the world. Photo: Wakefield Stand Up To Racism

Wakefield Stand Up To Racism organised the protest, outside Lightwaves Leisure Centre, as part of a national effort to show support for the Black Lives Matter movement.

There have been widespread protests across the United States after the death of George Floyd, an unarmed black man, in police custody.

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All those who attended the protest in Wakefield followed social distancing rules, and others were encouraged to take the knee outside their own homes in a show of solidarity.

Laura Miles, who helped to organise the protest, said: "It was pretty successful. There were a bit over 20 of us and we all observed social distancing.

"We took the knee and registered our solidarity and our support for the campaign and for the protesters.

"It was very clear that a lot more people would have wanted to be involved if they could have.

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"There were quite a number of people who did what they could on their doorsteps."

Wakefield town hall was lit purple on Wednesday night, in solidarity with protesters around the world. Photo: Michael GrahamWakefield town hall was lit purple on Wednesday night, in solidarity with protesters around the world. Photo: Michael Graham
Wakefield town hall was lit purple on Wednesday night, in solidarity with protesters around the world. Photo: Michael Graham

Wakefield Council also showed its support for the protest, as it was announced that the city's town hall clock would be lit purple in solidarity with protesters around the world.

Announcing the plans, Councillor Michael Graham said: “It is vital that we all stand together in support of all those across the world who are dealing with racism or any other forms of prejudice.

“We want to use our symbol of support and for this reason our Town Hall will light up for George Floyd and his family tonight.”