A series of protests are planned to unfurl across the country this week. The protests have been organised in support and solidarity with the current Black Lives Matter marches happening across Australia, and to demand justice for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander deaths in police custody on our home soil.
In light of the recent, unjust murders of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor and Ahmaud Arbery at the hands of police, Australia has been forced to hold a mirror to itself and confront the horrors that take place on own shores.
The history of police treatment of First Nations people is appalling. Since a 1991 royal commission, there have been 432 deaths in custody. Deaths that have gone without Justice. No Australian police officer has ever faced criminal repercussions for an Aboriginal death in custody.
If you are healthy and able, it is your duty to show up and show solidarity. Remember to follow social distancing practices, and come equipped with face masks.
Black Lives Matter/Stop Black Deaths in Custody Protests:
Sydney
Stop All Black Deaths in Custody: Vigil for George Floyd
When: 3-5 PM, Saturday, June 6th
Where: 20 Lee St, Chippendale
Organisers: The Indigenous Social Justice Association (ISJA), the Anticolonial Asian Alliance and the USYD Autonomous Collective Against Racism.
Wear black in remembrance and in solidarity
Melbourne
Stop Black Deaths in Custody – Justice for George Floyd #BLM
When: 2-5 PM, Saturday, June 6th
Where: Parliament House
Organisers: Warriors of the Aboriginal Resistance (WAR)
Adelaide
Solidarity with Minneapolis! Justice for George Floyd
When: 12-1:30 PM, Saturday, June 6th
Where: Victoria Square (Tarndanyangga)
Organisers: Adelaide Campaign Against Racism and Fascism
Brisbane
Black Lives Matter – Stop Black Deaths In Custody Meanjin (BNE)
When: 1-5 PM, Saturday, June 6th
Where: King George Square
Organisers: FISTT (Fighting In Solidarity Towards Treaties)
When: 12 PM, Saturday, June 6
Where: Queen Street Mall
Organisers: Independent
Canberra
Black Lives Matter Peaceful Protest. Justice for George Floyd!
When: 3 PM, Saturday, June 6th
Where: Embassy of the USA
Organisers: Independent
This event will gather outside the American embassy in Canberra to show to call for justice for George Floyd and other black victims of police brutality in the US.
“Stand with me in solidarity against the unlawful murder of George Floyd and the other African American men, women and children, who’s lives were unjustifiably taken because of their race,” the event says.
Newcastle
Stop Black Deaths in Custody – Justice for George Floyd #BLM
When: 2-5 PM, Saturday, June 6th
Where: Civic Park
Organisers: FISTT (Fighting In Solidarity Towards Treaties)
Byron Bay
When: 2PM, Saturday, June 6th
Where: Byron Bay Recreation Grounds
Organisers: Bunyarra Culture Collective
