People are encouraged to stand in solidarity with those affected by police brutality tomorrow tonight at a Black Lives Matter protest.
The demo, to be held in St George’s Square, is aiming to be a celebration of culture and an opportunity to raise money for people who have been directly affected by institutional racism and police brutality.
Organiser Corrine Bray, of Huddersfield, is passionate about bringing communities together and educating future generations about their history.
She said the peaceful protest, to be held from 7pm-9.30pm, is about inspiration and positivity.
“I’ve always been passionate about reading my history and about where I come from,” she said. “I do that with my daughter — she’s 12 but she’s experienced racism from the age of five. I have always instilled in her about her history and being kind to everybody — about being a good human.”
A series of Black Lives Matter demonstrations have been organised in the UK to show support for the familities of Alton Sterling and Philando Castile, killed by police in the US earlier this month.
Around 2,000 people marched through Manchester on Monday and a march was held in Leeds on Thursday night. A No More Austerity, No to Racism national march will take place in London on Saturday. Friday's static demonstration in St George’s Square will feature speeches and an open mic for people who want to address the crowd. People are encouraged to bring banners and share poetry or spoken word performances.
Corrine, 33, said she’d received lots of support from the people of Huddersfield.
She said: “It’s a beautiful thing, the community has got in touch and said they are proud of what I’m doing.
“Following the Brexit vote we need to do this, to show that the people who come to this country who are black have really contributed to this country. This town is amazing, we have really come together from all walks of life.
“Even if there’s only 20 people there I’ll be proud. If there’s a few hundred, even better.”
Corrine is planning further community cohesion events, including the Huddersfield Community Games next July, and runs the Cocoa Butter Project, which promotes black history. She is also editor of e-zine The Melanin Collective.
To donate to the Black Lives Matter fund, visit gofundme.com/blmhuddersfield
