Community / Second weekend of Black Lives Matter protest
A SECOND Black Lives Matter solidarity event following the death of George Floyd in Minneapolis will take place this coming weekend, organised by Sullom teenager Mae Jamieson.
What was initially planned as a static protest adhering to social distancing regulations has now been changed to a walk around Clickimin Loch on Saturday between 12 midday and 4pm.
Jamieson said she had spoken to police and NHS Shetland and had taken their advice on board.
“We will not be walking in a big group! But it would be very much appreciated if you came along between that time frame to show your support,” she said on Tuesday.
“We will have a table in front of the gate to the broch, there will be masks, hand sanitiser and gloves here!”
The 16-year-old engineering student said she was “horrified” when she watched the video showing the arrest of George Floyd and felt she had to do something locally to express her solidarity with the Black Lives Matter movement.
And she described the local community’s reaction to the global outcry as “brilliant” from last weekend’s virtual protest to the fact that many Up Helly Aa committees would now no longer tolerate blackface as part the festivals.
Around 2,000 islanders showed their support for the Black Lives Matter movement when they participated in the Shetland Staands wi Black Lives Matter virtual protest last weekend organised by a number of folk including Scalloway woman Joy Duncan.
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