In one of the biggest protest rallies the city has ever seen, thousands of people brought the streets of Newcastle's CBD to a standstill today.
They marched in a peaceful protest calling for justice for George Floyd, the African-American man killed at the hands of police in the United States, and for an end to black deaths in custody in Australia.
The rally, coinciding with others across the country, started in Pacific Park in Newcastle's east end.
Organisers stressed the importance of remaining peaceful while sending a message that racism must end.
Organiser Lynda June Coe told the crowd racism could no longer be tolerated.
"Racism is built in all of the institutions, all of the structures across this country," she said.
"It is in the education system, the justice system, the political system; everywhere you look.
"Racism can no longer be dismissed."
Calls for end to black deaths in custody
Black deaths in custody was a key focus of the rally, with 36-year-old local woman, Rebecca Maher, dying in a Maitland police cell in 2016.
Worimi man Dr John Maynard called for change.
"It is great to see a gathering like this of people coming together for justice and recognition and opening up that discussion," he said.
"We need change, we need to protect Aboriginal lives, we need to protect young people.
"There's got to be some control, some humanity, some compassion, some understanding, some respect."
'I can't breathe'
The huge crowd then took to the city's streets, marching along Hunter and King Streets to Civic Park.
At one stage hundreds of protestors blocked the intersection of King and Darby Streets, lying on their stomachs chanting, "I can't breathe".
It was an emotional experience for many attending the rally.
Alyce Weatherall brought her children and said she was overwhelmed at how many people had turned out to support the Indigenous community.
"Family that I've lost to it [racism]; it's a big thing for me and my kids and our family," she said.
"When I rocked up and I saw all the non-Indigenous brothers and sisters standing with us, I just wanted to cry.
"I am tearing up now just thinking about it, it just means so much."
There was a large police presence at the rally, with officers remaining on the outskirts of the massive crowd.
