Protests in New York over Freddie Gray’s death in Baltimore

Freddy Gray, a young African American from Baltimore, died last week from serious injuries that he got while being transported in a police van.

There have been protest marches in Baltimore, some turning violent as rioters broke shop windows, attacked the police and burnt cars. Other members of the Baltimore community have called for peace.

Marches have now been led in memory of Freddie Gray, demanding justice, in other American cities.

▶ Protests in New York over Freddie Gray’s death in Baltimore – YouTube.

Grammy Awards tributes to “Black Lives Matter” Movement

At the Grammy Awards ceremony, several artists paid tribute to the “Black Lives Matter” movement, which honours the memory of young Black men who were killed in the past months or year. Here is a short mashup of these tributes :

Black Lives Matter Movement at the Grammys | Billboard.

Pharrell Williams’s song “Happy”, which won three awards, was sung to a background of young Black men wearing hoodies, like 17-year-old Trayvon Martin who was killed as he was peacefully walking near his sister’s home after buying candy and soda. Trayvon’s killer was not convicted. A “Hands Up, Don’t Shoot” demonstration was done during his performance. Williams thus payed homage to late 18-year old, unarmed Michael Brown who was shot by the police in August 2014.

Pharrell Williams hands up

Beyonce sang the gospel song “Precious Lord Take My Hand” to a backing choir of Black men in white suits, their hands up in the same homage gesture.

US-MUSIC-GRAMMY AWARDS-SHOW

Prince made a statement, saying “albums matter, like books and Black lives matter”, refering to the Black Lives Matter movement.

 prince-Grammy awards

 

Pittsburg police chief takes stand against racism

Pittsburgh Police Chief Cameron McLay set off a battle with police unions when he posed with a sign that reads, ‘I resolve to challenge racism @ work #EndWhiteSilence.’ Some think this means policemen are racists. McLay says the sign is not against anyone, and that he was just showing support to anti-racism campaigners. After several black men were shot by police in 2014, McLay wants to show that no racism will be accepted within the police force.

cop chief stop racism

Tens of thousands march across to protest police killings of Black citizens

People in New York City and Washington DC have protested yesterday against police violence which recently killed several Black persons.

Those marches show young and old, Black and White, together in their demands for more equality and less violence by the police.

Click on this link to read the article and watch what CBC News reporter describes:

Eric Garner, Michael Brown: Tens of thousands across U.S. protest police killings – World – CBC News.

“I Can’t Breathe” congressman’s tribute to Eric Garner

Wednesday night, a grand jury in New York City refused to indict police officers in the killing of Eric Garner, a man who died after officers used an illegal chokehold on him. The decision set off protests across the country.Some in Congress have already expressed their solidarity with Garner.

Hank Johnson, the sponsor of legislation to curb police militarization, made a moving tribute to Garner, including the phrase, “I can’t breathe” between each statement—the phrase  Eric Garner said as he was being strangled, and which has since become a rallying cry for protesters.

What can YOU do on Mandela Day?

The objective of Mandela Day is to inspire individuals to take action to help change the world for the better, and in doing so build a global movement for good.  “Take Action; Inspire Change; Make Every Day a Mandela Day.”

Individuals and organisations are free to participate in Internaitonal Mandela Day as they wish.

You can find your way to spend 67 minutes on Mandela Day (July 18th) to help others and make a better world!

You have over two weeks to prepare for Mandela Day…

Here is a link to the official website where you can register your personal action :

http://www.mandeladay.com/