Hundreds of people turned out to a peaceful protest in Leeds earlier this week to show solidarity with the ongoing ‘Black Lives Matter’ campaign in the US.
The demonstration, organised to oppose racism, was held on the Headrow and began outside Leeds Art Gallery.
Speakers at the event included Janet Alder, the mother of Christopher Alder, who choked to death in a Hull police station in 1998, as well as representatives from the from Black Health Initiative, University of Leeds Student Union and Chapeltown Youth Development Centre.
The event follows similar gatherings seen across the UK, organised following the unlawful shooting of Anton Sterling and Philando Castile by police in the United States.
Following the US killings, five police officers were killed after they were shot in Dallas during a Black Lives Matter protest.
After the Leeds gathering, attendees of the event and onlookers were full of praise for the turnout.
Sinai (@modelsekai) wrote: “All that footage of Black Lives Matter protesters taking up the streets and marching in Leeds looked so powerful come on,” whilst Fiona Aber (@FifiLAUA) tweeted: “Proud of you Leeds. You showed up and showed out today. Black Lives Matter. Facts only.”
Andy (@Andysmns) added: Very proud to be from Leeds tonight. Major turnout for the Black Lives Matter protest, and a very positive atmosphere.”
