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Why COVID can’t stop me protesting for Black Lives Matter

Jack Shute recalls attending a Black Lives Matter peaceful protest after lockdown

It must be said how important it is to stay at home during lockdown and of course government restrictions must be followed to keep us safe. But what do we do when we witness a major injustice? Well, surely our right to protest can never be taken away when it really matters, and to me black lives do matter.

We are all now aware of the horrific murder of George Floyd, a father who was just 46 when he died after being arrested by police officer, Derek Chauvin who has since been charged with murder, by brutally kneeling on Mr Floyd’s neck while he was pinned to the floor. The kneel which has since been transformed into a defiant stance of solidarity, inspiring the recent Black Lives Matter movement which brought protests around the globe. This included Cheltenham, where I found myself peacefully protesting on 8th June.

My best friend Charlie went to the protest with me

The Cheltenham Black Lives Matter peaceful protest was held in Pitville Park and I first saw it advertised on a student Facebook page. Organiser Shekinah Swamba said on the Facebook page before the event: “This is going to be a peaceful protest. Please keep in mind the two metre social distancing rule. Bring water, masks, signs and yourselves.” As soon as I saw it, a few thoughts crossed my mind: I was so pleased such an important protest was being held in my home town, I knew I had to go and support such an important movement but also, what about COVID?

This was after the first lockdown eased off and a confusing period of “stay home but go out” was looming over. The pandemic dilemma soon left my mind as I told myself this was too important to refuse and there was no reason to not go.

Once my friend and I arrived, placards in hand, we took a moment to scan the view in front of us; hundreds and hundreds of people all in one place fighting for the better good, and in my Cheltenham! I was actually proud of my home, especially because almost every person in sight had a mask, and we socially distanced the best we could.

The sense of community was strong and the message was clear: we were here to show our support and give strength to the movement. Strong, black voices were listened to, activists speaking on the issues we face in society: lack of education, institutional racism and colonialism. We heard songs and we chanted in harmony, but the 2 minute silence was what really gave us the opportunity to come together.

I have to say, not all protesting I see as acceptable during this pandemic; take the anti-maskers for example. When your fight is based on nothing substantial, stay at home. But I will always be ready to protest for Black Lives Matter no matter the circumstances, and Cheltenham seems to be with me on that.

Jack Shute
Student journalist at UoG

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