Recently, America has seen huge protests following the death of George Floyd, 46. He died after being arrested by police outside a shop in Minneapolis, Minnesota.

Footage of the arrest on the 25th May shows a white police officer, Derek Chauvin, kneeling on Mr Floyd’s neck while he was pinned to the floor.

“I can’t breathe,” Mr Floyd said repeatedly, pleading for his mother and begging “please, please, please”.

For eight minutes and 45 seconds, Mr Chauvin kept his knee on Mr Floyd’s neck until he was dead.

It began with a report of a fake $20 (£16.20) bill. Allegedly, Mr Floyd had used this note to purchase a pack of cigarettes. Believing the note to be counterfeit, a store employee reported it to the police. 30 minutes later, Mr Floyd died.

Mr Floyd’s death has highlighted the inequality that black Americans face, and sadly is one of many more unnecessary deaths that have occurred due to racism.

Since his death, people around the world have been protesting against racism and police brutality.

Martin Luther King Jr clearly expresses here, in 1967, the issues which are still faced today: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S9sw4LbYLcQ 

This spoken word poet raises important points about the inequality black people face in today’s society: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nPOxEo7NtpQ 

What does this mean for me?

Take it all in and try to listen to the information and situation that is around you. What are you seeing on socials? What are you hearing in the media? What are you experiencing in your day to day life?

Remember, George Floyd may have been thousands of miles away, but unfortunately, racism is all around us – here in the UK as well.

Change begins with you; society is made up of people. Us. We are society. This is everybody’s problem; think about how you can create change for the better. Call out racism. Sign petitions. Write to leaders. Use your voice for good.

Above all else, talk about it. Maybe collect your thoughts and make a note of them, and share your own views and responses with someone today.

Additional resources you might like to use:

https://www.bbc.co.uk/newsround/52813673 – this article explains what exactly happened to George Floyd and why it has sparked protests.

https://blacklivesmatter.com/ – explains exactly what the Black Lives Matter movement is and how everyone is involved.

Additional ideas to ensure your voice is heard:

➔Write a speech documenting your own views on this situation – share this.

➔Write to a political or leading figure outlining what change you’d like to see.

➔Write a poem to share with your friends and teachers.

 

Lastly, I wanted to link this video that shows how the past is still so relevant to today: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=STJM1JxZRng