Unity, power and dancing in the streets: What the media didn't show you about BLM protests
LOVE Magazine
Despite the British media's portrayal of the #BlackLivesMatter protests across the country over the last week as violent, chaotic and hate-filled, we spoke to some of the attendees about the united and powerful atmosphere they experienced.
'I think it's fair to say the protests have probably been the most peaceful and amazing experiences, especially as a Black person,' commented model and marketing assistant for The Women's Wellness Centre, Laolu Akerele, who is cutting off his braids to raise money for the NAACP legal defence fund. 'We are being heard, we're strong. We're strong in numbers,' added model Kelvin Bueno.
But although this sense of community amongst protestors was palpable, some felt threatened by the actions of the Police. 'At the beginning of the protests the Police seemed to be a lot more reserved,' said musician Harve. 'But throughout the day their presence seemed to be amped up, and they got a lot more aggressive.'
Kettling became the Police's strategy to disperse the protestors, despite none of the attendants seeing any violence from the people they were physically surrounded by. 'I did not see one person throwing anything or shouting aggressively,' added singer Josie Man. 'I did not see anyone doing anything to harm someone else.'
The media might tarnish the protests as violent happenings rife with hostile behaviour, but we all know the only threat to our way of life was the overwhelming sense of unity.
Also read: How to be a better ally to POC