Corby Black Lives Matter protesters gather in town square to voice opposition to racism

Speakers told the crowd of their experiences living and growing up in Corby
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A Corby Black Lives Matters protest has attracted hundreds of people joining in the global movement sparked by the death of US man George Floyd.

The peaceful, socially-distanced event took place in James Ashworth VC Square and saw local people of colour telling their experience of growing up and living in the town.

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Organiser Courtney Murdoch was inspired to put on the demonstration of solidarity after seeing similar protests across the county.

She said: "Like most young people I couldn't stand to see any more viral videos of people being killed by the police. I waiting for someone else to organise it but I had to do it.

Attending the protest with her son and husband, was Julie Jackson, a 58-year-old nurse who works at Lakelands Hospice.

She said: "I'm here to support Black Lives Matter. I've never been to a protest before but I felt I had to come. We're not asking for much, just equality. I'm against racism."

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"I grew up in Wellingborough and I remember someone spat at me when I was a teenager in Kettering. I've not had any problems with racism here [Corby].

Amal Abshir and Summer Ogden-Friel, 8.Amal Abshir and Summer Ogden-Friel, 8.
Amal Abshir and Summer Ogden-Friel, 8.

"What upsets me more is the children calling each other names - they have learnt that from an adult."

Cleaners Vanea Moreno and sister Vanessa, who are originally from Portugal, moved to Corby 15 years ago, and attended the protest together.

Vanessa said: "I'm here to support the cause. Corby is much nicer, They treat us all the same. I don't think Corby is racist."

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Pensioner Kevin McGrath joined in the demonstration on his own.

l-r Andy Ryan, John Mann and Liz Harriesl-r Andy Ryan, John Mann and Liz Harries
l-r Andy Ryan, John Mann and Liz Harries

He said: "I spent a couple of years in Tanzania as a volunteer. I lived with the Ha tribe and they taught me so much - poverty does not equal misery and that wealth does not equal happiness.

"I'm here in solidarity. The Irish were also shipped away."

Ex-military officer Richard Sharman spoke to the crowd of his experiences growing up on the Exeter estate in the late 1980s and early 1990s.

His father was white English and his mother Denise from Nigeria.

Esther OmamuliEsther Omamuli
Esther Omamuli
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After describing the racial slurs that he was subjected to he said: "I served for six years in the RAF and six years in the Army.

"I experienced systemic racism. We can put black people in places of responsibility but if you say something you will be stripped of your rank.

"We need to bring these stories and understand. We need to speak up and say that's not right."

Corby resident Esther Omamuli came to the square not intending to speak to the crowd but gave an impassioned account of racism directed at her children.

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She said: "It was very raw. I did not come to speak, not at all, but I thought it was needed. There's thousands of people who want to say something."

During the eight-minute kneel, a roll call of names of people killed in racist attacks were read out and eight-year-old Summer Ogden-Friel went to hug speaker Amal Abshir.

Organiser Courtney MurdochOrganiser Courtney Murdoch
Organiser Courtney Murdoch

The St Patrick's Primary School pupil said: "It's not fair to treat people differently just because of the colour of their skin.”

Standing next to the James Ashworth VC Square sign were members of the Royal British Legion Corby Branch.

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Liz Harries, vice-chairman, said: "We're here to keep an eye on it. We're looking after one of our own. He was a Corby lad and only 23 years old.

"There's no need for this protest. Eighty-six men die every year from suicide because of PTSD (post traumatic stress disorder).

“It's Armed Forces Week next week and we would love to come out and commemorate, but we can't.

"This is what the problem is - we're all divided. Let's just all get on."

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