Corby Black Lives Matters protest to highlight 'injustice' towards children

Organisers of a Corby's first Black Lives Matter protest are to hold a second event to highlight racism against BAME (Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic) chidlren.

The Corby BLM gathering at Corby Boating Lake is to coincide with the 65th anniversary of the murder of a US 14-year-old, Emmett Till, who was lynched in Mississippi.

Backed by the Northamptonshire Rights and Equality Council, the inaugural event attracted more than 400 people, and event host Courtney Murdoch hopes that the second event will be as well supported.

She said: "I am hoping for the same response this time. It was peak outrage when we held our first event but we do hope that people will come out.

"Racism isn't going away. This is still a problem and I want to call for justice for children. Today children of colour in the US and UK are still victim to racial violence and brutality, and too many don't receive proper justice."

"It's the 65th anniversary of the murder of Emmett Till. I didn't know much about him until I did some research and saw the parallels between his death and that of Shukri Abdi [a 12-year-old girl who died in Manchester last year].

The protest, that will be held promoting Covid-19 precautions, is to take place at Corby Boating Lake on Saturday, August 29 starting at 1pm with speakers from Northamptonshire Rights and Equality Council and residents who will share their experiences of racism.

People attending are being asked to wear a face mask unless exempt due to medical or health reasons, to observe social distancing, to be respectful and peaceful, and to not leave any rubbish on the site.

The 21-year-old activist added: "Recently my eyes have been opened especially in this country. The system is just not helping everyone. I have never been subject to racial abuse or systematic discrimination but I have friends who have. I was lucky where I was born. I have privilege but we want to point out that people are being denied justice.

"People who care about children and who do not like seeing them hurt should come along."

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