tHE blm movement has sparked a hunger for change now. I wanted to photograph and document the protests as the movement opened my eyes even more to the racial injustices still present in the UK.
When I heard about the George Flloyd incident, I was shocked at the injustice that still seems to exist in the world. I could not quite understand though why so many protests were being planned in London- why all the protests here given it happened in America ? What I didn’t realise until I learnt more about the Movement and spoke to my friends/colleagues of black heritage, was that this incident had stirred strong feelings not just for George Floyd, but against racial prejudice and discrimination still occurring against black people worldwide.
Through social media, I have learnt how friends of mine have faced racism and discrimination for being black. including one who’s son (14 years old) and his dad got arrested because they met the ‘description’ of a black male, wearing clothes that did not even match the description and ended up in handcuffs. I heard from another charity leader who said he usually faces racial discrimination 7 times overtly or covertly a week. I heard from young people how they were upset about what had happened to George Floyd and sad yet glad it was now ok to talk about the discrimination/racism they have otherwise had to put up with in silence/behind closed doors so as not to be seen as complainers.
So now thanks to the BLM movement, I am much more aware of the extent to which racism still exists especially towards those of a ‘black’ people. Being of an Indian heritage myself whist I have noticed more subconscious discrimination/bias, I do not think it is on the same scale/level against all races -although I do think all racism does need to be wiped out.
I have therefore become a supporter of the BLM and attended and documented protests whilst socially distancing myself. I am hoping these photos will help share the BLM cause and continue to open the eyes of many in the UK and worldwide to racial injustices faced still in the 21st century.
These photos were taking in Battersea when a few off-shoots from the Parliament march came through Battersea, and during the Vauxhall demonstration outside the US embassy, where the atmosphere was electric and demanding change to happen now.
