Council leader says racism is a problem in North Wales as well as US ahead of Black Lives Matter protest

A Black Lives Matter show of solidarity will be held in Gwynedd over the weekend, sparked by over a week of protests on the other side of the Atlantic.

The demonstration today will form part of a campaign against police brutality and in support of the fight for racial equality and justice.

With Wrexham set to host an event tomorrow, organisers in Bangor have also announced plans for a similar event while maintaining social distancing guidelines.

Protests sparked when George Floyd, an African-American in the US, was killed after Minneapolis officer Derek Chauvin held his knee to Mr Floyd’s neck for eight minutes and 46 seconds.

Held near Bangor’s War memorial at 1pm, the event has already gained the support of the leader of Gwynedd Council who said that the people of the county stood firm with those in the United States.

Cllr Dyfrig Siencyn said: “There are some 3,700 miles separating Gwynedd and Minnesota, but in every possible sense we stand firm in solidarity with the black there and all over the world.

“It is vital to identify the ugly historical context behind George Floyd’s murder and the protests that have followed – and also to point out that racism today is not just a problem on the other side of the Atlantic.

“It is a shameful element of our society here in Wales and in Gwynedd, although it may not be so obvious on the face of it to most.

“Figures show that cases of racial prejudice in north west Wales have almost doubled in the last five years.

“We do not close our eyes to this; we firmly believe in equality as a fundamental principle.”

Organisers of the Bangor event have urged attendees to travel no more than five miles, asking those at particular vulnerability or displaying any COVID-19 symptoms to stay away altogether.

A spokesperson for the North Wales Africa Society said that guest speakers will include O’Molemo Thamae, Salamatu Fada, Sam Njokuo and Esther Shobowale.

They added: “Local law enforcement have been informed of this peaceful demonstration and have given their support in writing.

“Please also be aware we have a limited number of spaces in order to maintain proper social distancing. In lieu of this, once it becomes clear that we can no longer keep people safe, or that unsafe/large groups are forming, we may have to ask some attendees to support from home, or a safe distance, once we reach capacity.

“If this occurs we will be prioritising People Of Colour attendees – meaning that if you are white, or a non-black ally, you may be asked to leave to make space for others.

“Please be respectful of this.”

By Gareth Williams – Local Democracy Reporter

Featured image by Paul Sableman