A MASS "take the knee" event will be held in Southend tomorrow to combat institutional racism.

Trade union Unison and Southend Council are supporting "National Take the Knee Event" tomorrow in the wake of anti-racism protests following George Floyd's death in the USA last year.

It is the one-year anniversary of Mr Floyd's death tomorrow.

A spokesman for Southend Council said: "Southend residents responded and showed solidarity in their 1000s on the day last year and continued to show solidarity by supporting weekly take the knee events, circles of peace and the recent International Day of antiracism in which the town went purple and an over 40-strong public meeting was held online.

"All this in support of the commitment to challenge racism in all its forms.

"The 25th May 2021 is the anniversary of George Floyd’s death. The Trade Union Congress (TUC) and Stand Up To Racism are organising a mass take the knee in workplaces nationally.

"UNISON nationally and locally are supporting this along with other trade unions.

"UNISON are leading a ‘Take the Knee’ event at 12.30pm on the steps of the Civic Centre, with a second public ‘Take the Knee’ event taking place at Southend Victoria station at 5.30pm.

"Council staff and residents are invited to attend both events.

"The Civic Centre, Porters Civic House and City Beach lights will also go purple in recognition and to show the council’s support.

"All these collective events aim to continue to highlight the need for action in Britain in combating institutional racism, an area which the unions and the council have been working together on, and to continue to shine that light and work together in challenging all forms of racism in our workplaces and communities in Southend."