Here Are The Protests Happening This Weekend In Solidarity With Black Lives Matter
Here's where you can show your solidarity.
As protests continue to take over the United States, similar movements have spread across the world in solidarity with their fight for justice, equality and an end to police brutality.
Canada, Germany, the United Kingdom and New Zealand have all held their own protests in recent days to show support for the Black Lives Matter movement.
Now it’s Australia’s turn, with protests planned in some capital cities over the weekend.
Fellow Australian’s I see that fire in your belly, I see that energy.
I wanna see that same energy when we need you here.
The next time a police officer kills one of my brothers or sisters here in Australia and it will happen, I need to see that energy.
This is your fight too
— Nathan Appo (@Elusive_Sausage) May 31, 2020
Many Australians have reacted in anger to the death of George Floyd — now Indigenous leaders are asking for that outrage to be used constructively to support our own Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.
Our country isn’t immune to the issues plaguing protesters in the US. There have been at least 432 Aboriginal deaths in custody since Australia held a Royal Commission in 1991, according to The Guardian.
The first step in organising a protest regarding Indigenous deaths in custody & solidarity action for BLM is to work out who’s land youre on, get in touch with the Indigenous leaders & Elders via formal channels & ensure you’re doing work which supports & uplifts black voices.
— Amy Thunig (@AmyThunig) May 31, 2020
Reading BLM rallies in Aust have been organised w/o first contacting local Aboriginal community organisers reminds me of a few yrs ago in Melbs where 1000s turned out for a BLM US solidarity rally, yet hardly any bothered returning a wk later when we marched to shut down Don Dale
— Celeste Liddle (@Utopiana) May 31, 2020
There are several protests taking place over the next few days that have been organised by Indigenous leaders, and people are being asked to show their support.
Information about several other protests have been circulated on social media, but it’s important to first make sure they have been organised in consultation with Indigenous communities to make sure you’re working in solidarity with their cause, and not just acting in performative allyship.
Here’s the information you need to know about Indigenous-led protests taking place.
Melbourne
This event, organised by Warriors of the Aboriginal Resistance, will take place on Kulin Nation, on the steps of Parliament House at 1 Spring Street.
The protest will begin at 2pm on Saturday 6th June.
Black Lives Matter Protest to stop black deaths in custody and in solidarity of George Floyd. This weekend 2pm Saturday 6 June 2020 at Victorian Parliament Steps.
Bring masks, hand sanitiser, water, snacks, banners and clapsticks. If you’re sick, stay home!
Hosted by WAR ⬛️🟨🟥— gunditj gay bo ftp (@Tarneen) June 1, 2020
Brisbane
Warriors of the Aboriginal Resistance are also hosting another event on Saturday people in Brisbane’s King George Square.
People are being asked to gather from 12pm, with the march beginning at 1pm.
Organisers are asking people to wear masks to protect themselves against coronavirus, and to stay home if they are sick.
People are also asked to bring along posters to honour those who have been killed in police custody.
Sydney
A vigil for George Floyd is also being organised by the Indigenous Social Justice Association at 3pm on Saturday.
***IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENT: LOCATION CHANGE***
Due to increasing numbers, this event will now START at Sydney Town Hall with speakers, then marching to Bathurst St South, from there to Castlereagh St, and ENDING at Belmore Park where the vigil will be held.
Wollongong
Crown Street Mall Amphitheatre, Sunday June 7, 2-5pm AEST – ‘Stand with Minneapolis #BlackLivesMatter’, organised by the National Union of Students.
Adelaide
The South Australian protest is being held by the Adelaide Campaign Against Racism and Fascism, and Sosblakaustralia SA Action Group.
People are being asked to gather in Victoria Square — the northern end of Tarndanyangga. The protest will run from 12pm to 1.20pm, Saturday June 6, 12-1.30pm ACST
Newcastle
FISTT (Fighting In Solidarity Towards Treaties) is holding a protest in Newcastle’s Civic Park from 2pm to 5pm on Saturday. ‘Stop Black Deaths in Custody – Justice for George Floyd #BLM’, organised by FISTT.
Perth
Perth held its own protest yesterday, with hundreds of people turning out in memory of both George Floyd and the hundreds of Aboriginal Australians who have died in custody.
This is Perth in Western Australia (WA). WA has the highest number of Aboriginal Australians who have died in custody out of all Australian states. Tonight, West Aussies from all backgrounds came together demanding justice for George Floyd and equality for Blak Australia. pic.twitter.com/C4pPrf84Ni
— Rangi Hirini (@rangihirini) June 1, 2020
Canberra
Garema Place, Friday June 5, 10.30am AEST – ‘Black Lives Matter – Peaceful Protest’.