Hundreds attend Black Lives Matter protest and vigil in Exeter
More than 1000 people attended the 6 June 2020 Black Lives Matter protest and vigil for George Floyd on the banks on the River Exe.
The protest, named ‘Exeter Peaceful Protest Against Racism’, took place between 5pm and 7pm at Flowerpot Playing Fields.
Many of those in attendance were wearing face coverings and observing the social distancing guidelines.
The peaceful protest saw speakers addressing the large crowd via a megaphone as they spoke of the racism they had witnessed and received.
“It’s amazing that everyone has come together to unite and make a change.”
Banners and signs were evident across the attendees in show of their support for the Black Lives Matter movement, which has witnessed thousands across the globe protest against police brutality.
During the emotional vigil, more than 1000 people sat or knelt for a minute’s silence to reflect on the death of black American George Floyd who died in Minneapolis police custody.
Fern Stone from Teignmouth read out her heartfelt poem, which included the line “Open your eyes, there is no black and white, only human lives.”
Organiser Sam Thomas expressed her astonishment at the large turnout, telling ITV News “it’s amazing that everyone has come together to unite and make a change.”
