Another Turnham Green Anti-racism Protest Planned

Organisers say that this will be another peaceful, socially distanced demonstration

Another protest is to be held on behalf of the Black Lives Matter campaign on Turnham Green this Sunday (28 June).

The first such event passed off without major incident on 14 June and the format for the demonstration will be the same. The estimated attendance for the previous event was just over 100 people.

It is due to take place between 1.30pm and 5.30pm on the wide pavement by Christ Church. If too many people join the protest to make social distancing difficult you can join by standing behind the railings and on the green.

The organiser Anil Patel says it is to be a family-friendly, socially distanced gathering with a welcoming atmosphere and music to show solidarity with protesters against racism and demand racial justice globally. You are asked to bring banners and artwork. They are hoping to use them in a future art installation project. They want to encourage passing drivers to show support so suggested slogans include: Honk for Justice/Silence is Violence.

Anti-racism protestor with police officer on Turnham Green. Picture: Anil Patel

People gathering will take a knee at 2pm in remembrance of George Floyd and others who have died in a similar way, the names of ‘preventable lives lost’ will be chanted. These will include Stephen Lawrence, Mark Duggan, Joy Gardner and Sara Reed.

Then there will be an Open Mic session in which people can share experiences, thoughts , art and anything related to the discrimination all people of colour face. There will be a few minutes for each speaker to allow everyone to be heard. Once all have spoken the floor will be open to someone speak for longer with the organisers hopeful a community leader will be there to speak at 2.30pm.

They would like to borrow speakers to play music and are looking for volunteers to be stewards of chanting and facilitating social distancing.

You are urged not to attend if you have any coronavirus symptoms and bring protective masks and gloves as well as food and water. ‘In case of arrest’ you are advised to carry essential medicines (e.g. inhalers) on your person.

Attendees are asked to bring bags for rubbish as a litter pick will be held after the protest to ensure the park environment is not spoiled.

A similar protest is due to take place at Market Place in Brentford at the same time. Protestors will line up on the wide pavement starting at Verdict all the way up to Goddard’s on Brentford High Street. Should enough people turn up the organisers say there will be enough space to make up two lines.

June 25, 2020