IDLES direct fans to virtual protest in support of Black Lives Matter

IDLES have voiced their support for ongoing protests for racial equality, and have asked fans who cannot attend physical demonstrations to do so remotely via a virtual protest created by Black Lives Matter.

Black Lives Matter have created a virtual protest via Zoom that can be joined by up to 100,000 people, with footage broadcast live from the protest and speeches from a number of activists. It takes place at 2pm tomorrow (June 7) and can be found here.

“COVID-19 makes demonstrating harder. Many people who want to join protests are key workers, immunocompromised, live with elderly people, or simply want to avoid crowds of people for their own safety,” IDLES said on Instagram.

“But it also makes taking a stand more important; another example of the institutional bias has been that twice as many black people have died from COVID-19.”

IDLES added: “Together, our voices will be heard. Black Lives do, have, and always will Matter.”

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The murder of George Floyd by white police officers in Minneapolis on May 25th has sparked a wave of protest across the globe. This weekend black communities and their allies are standing in solidarity to demand justice and fight the institutional racism that black people face on a daily basis. Black Lives do, have, and always will matter. COVID-19 makes demonstrating harder. Many people who want to join protests are key workers, immunocompromised, live with elderly people, or simply want to avoid crowds of people for their own safety. But it also makes taking a stand more important; another example of the institutional bias has been that twice as many black people have died from COVID-19. So to ensure everyone can make their voices heard in the London protest on Sunday June 7th, Black Lives Matter have created a virtual protest via Zoom where up to 100,000 people will join, with footage broadcast live from the protest, virtual protesters adding their voice to the crowd and speeches from a range of activists. Enabling people to share vital information and resources with each one another while standing in solidarity. Together, our voices will be heard. Black Lives do, have, and always will Matter. Link in bio

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A number of people have taken to the streets across the UK in support of racial inequality following the death of George Floyd.

However UK Health Secretary Matt Hancock has urged the public not to breach lockdown restrictions in order to protest. He said in Downing Street’s daily briefing yesterday (June 5) that he was “appalled” at Floyd’s death, but that coronavirus remains “a real threat”.







Among those protesting in London was Star Wars actor John Boyega, who addressed crowds in London’s Hyde Park with a powerful speech.

“Black lives have always mattered,” he said. “We have always been important. We have always meant something. We have always succeeded regardless. And now is the time. I ain’t waiting.”