Black Lives Matter protest held in Coventry

A “peaceful, socially distanced” protest, in solidarity with Americans over the death of George Floyd and the Black Lives Matter Movement was held in Coventry. 

Protesters gathered by the Godiva Statue, Broadgate at 4.30pm on 2 June. The event was live streamed on Facebook for those who were unable to attend due to Covid-19.

The organisers of the event included: Coventry Stand up to Racism, Black Conscious Coventry, Coventry Trades Council and Coventry Against Racism.

An estimated 500 people gathered for the event. The protesters began by kneeling for one minute in the city centre. Chants included: “No justice, no peace”, “I can’t breathe”, “Black lives matter” and “Who are the murderers? The police are the murderers”.

The protesters marched to Coventry Central Police Station, towards Coventry Transport Museum and then to War Memorial Park.

Nathaniel Prescod of Black Conscious Coventry said: “George Floyd died in the most inhumane way, at the hands of the State. We stand in solidarity with our brothers and sisters in the United States. No justice, no peace.”

Tony Conway from Coventry Against Racism said: “Words are not enough in this situation. Institutional racism exists in Britain as well as the United States, that is why we see a disproportionate number of deaths amongst black and minority ethnic communities from Covid 19.

“This is why we see citizens deported and racist laws passed. Coventry Against Racism stands in solidarity today and each day that oppression continues.”

A national protest is being held on Wednesday 3 June at 6pm.