The DEATH of George Floyd has sent shockwaves around the world, causing communities like Basingstoke to speak out about the racial injustice of an African American man that died in police custody.
The 46-year-old's death on May 25 was captured by onlookers on their phones and has caused massive social unrest.
Mr Floyd could be heard pleading for air and for his mother as a white police officer was seen kneeling on his neck.
At least twenty people were gathered outside the Willis museum in Basingstoke to protest Black Lives Matter pic.twitter.com/Zeirhfd1QF
— Bethany Papworth (@BethBasGazette) June 4, 2020
One of the officers involved, Derek Chauvin, was charged with third degree murder and manslaughter and is due in court next week.
Three other police officers have been fired.
Since the incident, around 20 protesters were captured sitting outside the Willis Museum at the heart of Basingstoke to support Black Lives Matter movement.
Demonstrators were photographed in silence, with their signs reading: "White Silence is Betrayal" and "The UK is not innocent".
Belle Copeman, 25, a support worker for people with learning disabilities, from Tadley, told the Gazette: “Racial violence has to stop.
"There needs to be better forms of justice for George Floyd. It's not just an American problem but is everywhere, including this country.
“I have friends who are black and it has to stop. I’ve seen black girls taking ages to pick up foundation because they can’t find the right colour.
"There is a feeling of otherness in the black community.”
Tom Hayford, 32, a support worker for autistic adults, from Popley, said: “In some cases people don’t see racism day to day but black people live it day to day.
"They get funny looks as they walk down the street and people are judging them just based off their colour."
Tom said its not just about George Floyd but about the whole movement.
The 32-year-old explained that he would like to see people in power recognise the "micro racial aggressions", even the small subtle things.
"If someone can say you speak really good English where are you from, it contributes towards racism," he added.
The Albery-Jones family are also supporting the Black Lives Matter movement.
Mother-of-one, Charlotte Albery-Jones, 40, from Rooksdown, said: “This has to stop and we need to make change now.
"It hurts me to sit here and causes me physical pain but it is worse to do nothing.
“It is worse to sit at home and watch these atrocities being committed. This country has a lot to answer for.
"The fundamental inequalities and lack of education will mean that things won’t change.
"Black people, ethnic minorities and everyone suffers.
“Each and everyone of us has to ask where the routed hatred comes from. People are not born racists, it’s something that is learned.
“We all have a responsibility to confront racism whether its families or friends or strangers on the street where we see them acting in an unacceptable way."
Charlotte's husband Chris, 43, from Rooksdown echoed his wife's thoughts on the issue.
He said there is a problem with "white people understanding the privilege they have".
"There is a massive tendency for people to not believe racism is there or become defensive about it.
"Whatever issue we have, we don't have the issue of being discriminated against with our skin colour.
"We should be using the platform to be allies with people of colour."
Chris said its about "showing support and solidarity" and that humanity is not simply just "sweeping the problem under the carpet".
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