Sheffield to show solidarity in Black Lives Matter protest this weekend

With the ‘kneel for Floyd’ movement - in memory of George Floyd who died in police custody - gathering support all over the world, many cities in the UK have begun to stage their own protests.

Locals have been quick to welcome the idea of Sheffield’s own protest, which aims to ‘stand against police brutality and systematic oppression in the UK and US’.

Alisha Thomas said: “It’s what Sheffield needs. We must stand in solidarity with our black brothers and sisters.

“What happened to George Floyd is not the first of its kind. The fact it is still happening shows that there is still wrong in the world.

“As a girl with a black father and a white mother, I see myself as neither black or white, but that doesn’t mean I haven’t experienced racism.”

Liam Jevan added: “I am a proud black guy and I will definitely be protesting.

“Both my black friends and my white friends will be joining me.

“It shouldn’t matter what the colour of our skin, just treat people with respect.”

Despite the UK still being on lockdown, people from all over the region are expected to attend the protest in Sheffield city centre.

Protestors have been advised to bring food and water, and to wear protective masks, gloves and non identifiable clothing.

The Justice for Black Lives protest will take place on Devonshire Green at 1pm on June 6.

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