A peaceful demonstration took place over the weekend on Swanage Beach to draw attention to the Black Lives Matter (BLM) campaign against violence and systemic racism towards black people.
Following the protests in the US after the death of George Floyd by a police officer, there were a number of anti-racism demonstrations across the UK over the weekend, notably in London and Bristol.
Adhering to social distancing guidelines and wearing face masks, around 150 people walked from the Main Beach car park in Victoria Avenue to Swanage Beach by the Mowlem.
Black Lives Matter protestors on Swanage Beach
The importance of the fight towards unity and equality
With placards and banners, they then heard from speakers recounting their experiences of racism and the importance of the fight towards unity and equality.
One protestor, Grace Taylor said:
“Please recognise the importance of this protest – it goes far beyond a life lost in the US, in fact it goes all the way to 150 angry and upset protestors on Swanage Beach, demanding equality for all, 60 years after Martin Luther King led the Civil Rights Movement.”
Another added that the Swanage demonstration was a “small but important gesture”.
The peaceful demonstration on Swanage Beach was to highlight the BLM campaign against violence and systemic racism towards black people
“Racism and all forms of discrimination undermine our common humanity and are not acceptable in any civilised society.”
Dorset Police officers were present at the demonstration. In an earlier statement, Chief Constable James Vaughan for Dorset Police said:
“Throughout our policing of COVID-19, Dorset Police has stressed the importance of community and working with our partners and individuals to ensure that the legitimacy of policing is maintained. The principles of neighbourhood policing are long standing within Dorset Police and remain a cornerstone in our communities. That is why, collectively as a force, we align ourselves with those who wish to express their feelings in a peaceful but clear manner.
“We should help facilitate that expression of feeling, which occurs at a time of a public health crisis. Dorset Police believes it essential that the core message of standing up against hate and racism should be respected and allowed, while we have the ability to maintain law, order and safety in our communities.
“Racism and all forms of discrimination undermine our common humanity and are not acceptable in any civilised society.”
