The U.S.
The Effectiveness of Protesting against Racism
Over the past two weeks protests have erupted across the United States demanding change and justice to be served to the many Black Americans who are affected by racism, in particular addressing the issue of police brutality.
With the effectiveness of protests being questioned, here’s a list of the changes that have been made so far, instilling hope into a community that has been segregated for decades.
The city of Minneapolis has banned the use of choke holds and neck restraints, requiring that officers radio their commander if this is taking place on scene.
Officer Derek Chauvin, responsible for the killing of George Floyd on Memorial Day, has had his charges upgraded from third degree murder to second degree murder and manslaughter, and his accomplices have been arrested.
The city of Dallas has adopted a “duty to intervene” rule, requiring officers to stop their peers who are using inappropriate force.
The state of New Jersey is preparing to revisit its use of force guidelines, these have not been updated in two decades.
A police reform work group has been established in Maryland.
A motion has been introduced by the Los Angeles City Council to reduce LAPD’s current $1.8 billion operating budget.
Going forward, a number of cities across the country have announced that police brutality captured on camera will result in almost immediate suspensions and firings of officers.
In Washington D.C. military forces have begun to withdraw and a two-block-long section of 16th Street NW has officially been renamed "Black Lives Matter Plaza”.
Words: Alice I’Anson 2020
Cover Image: Alice I’Anson 2020
Globally, protests against racial inequality are taking place all over the world. With rallies and memorials being held for George Floyd in Europe, Mexico, Canada, Brazil, Australia and New Zealand.
In France, protesters marched and held signs that said "I can't breathe". These words do not only signify some of Floyd’s final moments but were also the last words of Adama Traoré, a 24 year old black man who died in Paris in 2016 after being restrained by police.
Approximately 10,000 people attended a rally to support the “Black Lives Matter” movement in Dam Square, Amsterdam.
In Ireland, peaceful demonstrations have been held outside the U.S. embassy and the Belfast City Hall.
In Australia rallies have been held for the “Black Lives Matter” movement to support Indigenous Australians who have endured decades of suffering at the hands of police brutality.
Germany, Italy, Spain, Greece, Brussels, Denmark, Syria and Poland have also held rallies, memorials and even painted murals in memory and honor of Floyd.
While there is still a long way to go to achieve equality, these actions around the world are certainly a start, proving the power protests can have in influencing change.