Australians begin Black Lives Matter protests in solidarity with US demonstrations

Protests have now begun in Australia, in solidarity with the death of George Floyd, who was killed while in police custody in the United States.

As states across America enter into the eighth straight day of demonstrations, with some increasing significantly in violence, looting and chaos, Australians are now starting to rise up as well.

While protests have been planned for major cities around our country this week in the name of George Floyd, parallels have been drawn between his death, and the number of indigenous deaths in custody within Australia.

The first such Australian demonstration was held in Sydney last night, with hundreds taking the streets in a peaceful protest.

Many carried signs with the hashtag ‘BlackLivesMatter’ alongside aboriginal flags, while chanting ‘I cant breath’.

The chant “always was, always will be Aboriginal land” was also heard, as protesters marched for the 400 indigenous Australians who have died in police custody since 1991.

#BlackLivesMatter demonstration in Martin Place, Sydney. pic.twitter.com/fVhO12bSI7

— Damien Haffenden (@DamienHaffenden) June 2, 2020

Further protests are planned throughout the rest of the week, with one to be held in Brisbane this Saturday from midday. 

Over 11,000 people have expressed interest in the march.

There’ll also be a protest in Melbourne this Saturday afternoon, with almost 18,000 people interested in attending.

Canberra and Adelaide will also hold protests this Saturday, while Perth will hold one next Saturday the 13th June.

While a protest was held in Sydney overnight, it’s understood a vigil has been planned for this Saturday.

Australians are also being encouraged to do a number of other things, if they don’t want to take part in a protest but still want to contribute to the BlackLivesMatter cause.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

After last night’s post went kinda viral ?we had some requests for which Australian organisations to support with your $$$ to end black deaths in custody, police brutality against BIPOC, and the oppression of Indigenous Australians by the law enforcement and judicial systems of this country.⁠ This is a short list focusing on national organisations that specifically address over-representation in prison populations, legal aid and access, and generational trauma.⁠ Ping: @healingourway @humanrightslawcentre @antar_national #changetherecord⁠ 〰️⁠ There are lots more state-based and community-level grassroots orgs operating all over the country that do important work too and deserve your donations. Google will help you find them.⁠ 〰️⁠ That all of this is happening during National Reconciliation Week is not lost on us. The theme this year is #InThisTogether2020 – how can you show that you are ‘in this’ fight together with black communities in Oz?⁠ 〰️⁠ If you got thoughts, our DMs are always open!⁠ .⁠ .⁠ .⁠ .⁠ .⁠ .⁠ #blackdeathsincustody #sayhisname #antiracism #intersectionalfeminist #NRW2020 #reconciliationweek

A post shared by Z FEED (@zee_feed) on Jun 1, 2020 at 1:02am PDT

And for those who’d particularly like to help out the American cause, and the family of George Floyd, there are a number of ways to contribute as well.

Read more on that here.