Thousands of Glaswegians took to Glasgow Green today at a Black Lives Matter protest and demonstration.
It was an event that was triggered by the brutal killing of George Floyd on May 25. Police officer Derek Chauvin kneeled on his neck for eight minutes and 46 seconds after arresting him, leaving him unable to breathe. His death triggered a global response that has seen people taking to the streets in outrage across the world.
Activists, filmmakers, artists and more spoke to the crowds that gathered from 12pm to 3pm today in a peaceful display of solidarity and call for anti-racist reform in Scotland.
The event voiced solidarity with protests in the United States as well as protesting against racism in Scotland and Glasgow.
Organiser and designer Barrington spoke to Glasgow Live after the protest and said he believes the protests and global response will be a critical moment for change.
He said: "It's been incredible. There aren't the words to describe it. It was emotional and inspiring.
"It feels like this time, there's going to be real change. I think with the mass of movement and the way people have come together, we're sending a clear message. This can't be ignored anymore.
"Although this was triggered by what happened to George Floyd, today was also about the struggles that we face at home.
"A lot of people ask if there is even racism in Scotland and Glasgow. Of course it is - you don't have to look far to see how alive racism is here. Just because you are not racist, or aren't experiencing it directly, that does not mean it doesn't exist."
Barrington urged people not to stop anti-racist campaigning in the months and years to come.
He said: "Start having conversations with people - especially the uncomfortable ones. And give people time to step up to the plate and look long and hard at themselves. Learn about the history that shaped this country."
The Scottish Government had earlier urged people not to attend, calling for them to “find other ways” to support the cause in light of the coronavirus pandemic.
In response to safety fears at the protest, Barrington said: "It was undeniable today that people were going to protest, people were going to come out of their houses and make their voices heard.
"If we hadn't organised this, those people wouldn't have had the safeguards that we've put in place."
To find out more about Black Lives Matter, visit the website. You can also visit Intercultural Youth Scotland to learn about the work being done to fight racism in Scottish schools.
