How this Hartlepool anti-racism group is backing the Black Lives Matter protests

Hartlepool Against Racism says it is heartened to see so much support for protests taking place around the world sparked by the death of African-American man George Floyd in Minneapolis after a police officer knealed on his neck for eight minutes.

Members of the Hartlepool group have attended a number of local protests including in Middlesbrough and Newcastle.

The group is encouraging people to attend, but urges anyone planning on going to one to try to maintain social distancing, wear a mask and take hand sanitiser.

A spokesperson said: “We at Hartlepool Against Racism have been heartened to see so much support for the protests around the world for Black Lives Matter.

“The BLM cause has made countless people aware of the injustices that our brothers and sisters face.

“We encourage our members to support the rallies around our region if possible and will be sharing the events regularly.

“Along with our regional allies, we have been continuing to monitor far-right activity and will continue to speak out at the injustices that people face.

“We are a growing movement and if you would like to get involved our next meeting will be held on Monday, June 29, at 5pm on Zoom.”

Thousands of people took to the streets in anti-racism protests across the UK at the weekend.

Recent Black Lives Matter events in the North East included demos in Newcastle and Durham.

Members of Hartlepool Against Racism also joined fellow supporters at an event in Middlesbrough on Friday, June 19.

A Black Lives Matter peace vigil is also due to take place in Keel Square, Sunderland, at 6pm on Thursday, June 25, when people will be given the chance to ‘take a knee’ and hear from BAME speakers.

Earlier this year, Hartlepool Against Racism called for Fens and Rossmere Councillor Tony Richardson to resign after he shared offensive and racist posts on his personal Facebook page.

Anyone who wants to learn more details about the group and local events can find them on Facebook or email [email protected]

A message from the Editor:

Thank you for reading this story on our website. While I have your attention, I also have an important request to make of you.

In order for us to continue to provide high quality and trusted local news on this free-to-read site, I am asking you to also please purchase a copy of our newspaper.

Our journalists are highly trained and our content is independently regulated by IPSO to some of the most rigorous standards in the world. But being your eyes and ears comes at a price. So we need your support more than ever to buy our newspapers during this crisis.

With the coronavirus lockdown having a major impact on many of our local valued advertisers - and consequently the advertising that we receive - we are more reliant than ever on you helping us to provide you with news and information by buying a copy of our newspaper.

Thank you.