Sat 6 June // #SayTheirName// #JusticeForGeorgeFloyd // #BlackLivesMatter
On Saturday 6 June Stand Up To Racism groups across Britain are organising socially distanced demonstrations that focus on those black people who have lost their lives at the hands of police racism in the US and UK and those from BAME communities who have lost their lives disproportionately during the Covid19 crisis
We say black lives matter in the US and UK – we demand an independent public inquiry into disproportionate BAME deaths now!
These events take place in the context of black communities disproportionately dying as a result of and infected by Coronavirus, the highest levels of unemployment, which is rising fast due to the rapid economic contraction taking place. So black people are disproportionately affected by police brutality, unemployment, economic hardship and the coronavirus.
We understand the anger that has motivated people to come out and protest across the USA and also here in Britain.
We must remember that we are in the midst of the deadly coronavirus global pandemic. The UK has one of the worst death tolls in the world. Around 34 per cent of those that died were from Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic communities (BAME). According to the Financial Times (FT) cautious estimate, 64,000 people have died, much higher than the government’s figure. That means around 21,000 people from BAME communities have died in the last 10 weeks.
We agree with the scientists and others who say the government’s easing of the lockdown is too premature because the number of daily new infections and deaths are currently too high. There is a risk that the measures to prematurely ease the lockdown will lead to a second wave of infections that will disproportionately impact on BAME communities.
We urge all those protesting in solidarity with George Floyd to ensure that they remain socially distanced to protect the people taking part. This is in the best interest of the health and safety of our communities.
Local Stand up to Racism groups organising protests must ensure they are socially distanced, and should disperse if it becomes impossible to do so. Please follow the following guidance:
- Protests are invite only, with organisers ensuring number are low enough to maintain social distancing
- Masks and hand sanitiser should be available to attendees wherever possible.
- Do not travel on public transport in order to attend
- If possible, arrange clearly defined spots or marks, physically distanced over more than 2 metres
- Do not attend our action if you have any symptoms of COVID-19. Anyone with symptoms should follow public health advice and keep yourself and others safe.
- In the case of not being able to join an organised event, you can still take part in a safe way. #TakeTheKnee wherever you are, make a sign, send a message, take a picture and share it with your local group so it can be included in the gallery image that you share on social media.