Get all your news in one place.
100’s of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
Bristol Post
Bristol Post
National
Emma Grimshaw

Virtual Black Lives Matter protest set up for those not attending demonstration

A virtual Black Lives Matter protest has been set up for Bristolians who are not attending the city centre demo.

The event will take place between noon to 5pm on Sunday (June 7) when live streaming of Bristol's main protest will be shared.

Campaigners will also be urged to tweet Donald Trump and ask him to 'take the knee'.

Green councillor and former Lord Mayor, Cleo Lake, and actor, singer, writer and producer, Dionne Draper are hosting the online event.

Former Lord Mayor Cleo Lake is involved in the organisation of the black women's theatre festival (Bristol Post)

Mrs Lake, who is ward councillor for Cotham, wrote on Facebook: "We welcome you to join Dionne Draper, I, and others for an online protest tomorrow (Sunday) 12-5pm.

"We will have correspondents streaming footage live from the physical protest as well as spiritually enriching content of song, healing, dance, and discussion about the future.

"Everyone is welcome but allies must be prepared to allow a safe space for African heritage people when it is needed.

"Let's also get behind our Mayor Marvin Rees and his idea of staying home taking a photo and tweeting Donald Trump #BristolTakeTheKnee

"Let's come together and connect online to show our solidarity #JusticeForGeorgeFloyd #StopTheMaangamizi."

Mr Rees urged those wanting to take part on Sunday to do something different instead after he expressed fears a mass gathering could 'reignite' a second wave of Covid-19 in Bristol.

Around 4,000 people are expected to take part in Sunday's city centre protest to raise awareness the reality of systematic racism, and to stand in solidarity with those protesting across the globe.

Bristol City Council has said it is closing down most of the roads in the city centre for five hours on Sunday, even two hours before the event is scheduled to start.

Demonstrators have been urged by organisers to wear face masks and keep their distance from each other.

To take part in the virtual event, click here.

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100’s of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.