Barking community come together for Black Lives Matter rally

The crowd raised their hands in unity (credit: Saima Ashraf)

Demonstrators have gathered in Barking for a peaceful Black Lives Matter rally.

Crowds joined together in the square outside the Town Hall to raise awareness in the battle for equality and to show solidarity following the death of George Floyd in Minneapolis, US.

Mr Floyd passed away after a police officer placed his knee on the unarmed black man’s neck while arresting him for allegedly using a counterfeit £20 note.

His death has sparked protests across the world which have been largely peaceful, though there have been a small number of cases of public disorder.

The deputy leader of Barking and Dagenham Council, Cllr Saima Ashraf, told Time 107.5 the protest was peaceful and “very emotional.”

There were performances from young people, who sang and gave speeches in aid of the cause.

The crowd gathered in Town Hall Square (credit: Saima Ashraf)

Fantastic protest for #BlackLivesMatter #Barking & #DAGENHAM full of wonderful performances. Well done @_jadachante1 and many more for organising this peaceful protest. pic.twitter.com/th5ffnyGpa

— Cllr Saima Ashraf (@CllrAshraf) June 9, 2020

Peaceful protest in barking town square. #BlackLivesMatter pic.twitter.com/Mnr0gp3ecF

— dominic twomey (@DominicTwomey) June 9, 2020

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