PASSIONATE campaigners came together to “take the knee” in solidarity and vowed to keep fighting against racism during demonstrations held to mark a year since George Floyd’s death.

Protestors stood side by side with banners in hand yesterday, both outside Southend’s Civic Centre and Southend Victoria, to mark the anniversary and stand against institutional racism.

His murder last year sparked one of the largest mass protest movements across the globe, with thousands taking to the streets to call for an end to racial inequality.

More than 1,300 people supported a Black Lives Matter movement in Southend last June, held outside The Forum.

A year on, trade union Unison and Southend Council have joined together to take part in the national take the knee event - with the Civic Centre, Porters Civic House and City Beach lit up in purple to show support.

Claire Wormald, Unison Southend branch secretary, said: “This is about fighting for justice for anyone who has been affected, and we are not innocent over here in the UK - even Southend.

“Institutional racism does exist, we know not everyone is treated the same. It exists in education - if you experience racism in the playground and react you might be seen as the aggressor or perhaps you’re not expected to perform as well.

“Racism can also exist in employment, and so many aspects of life.

“It’s time for change, and this is about putting pressure on workplaces and the Government by reminding them we will keep fighting against discrimination.”

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Campaigners join in solidarity across Southend to ‘take the knee’ in battle against racism

'Take the knee' event in Southend tomorrow on anniversary of George Floyd's death

The death of Mr Floyd shocked the world, after a video of a white police officer kneeling on his neck for several minutes during an arrest went viral.

Former Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin has since been convicted of his murder.

Campaigner Sam Adams, from Stand Up to Racism Southend, has warned Mr Floyd’s case is just the tip of the iceberg.

She said: “This is a worldwide problem, including in Britain, which I think a lot of the time people don’t realise or think it affects them.

“The response we had yesterday really was amazing, we had about 25 alone turn up outside the Civic Centre and expected more after work at Southend Victoria. We want to spread awareness and remind people Black Lives Matter isn’t just a moment in time, it’s a growing movement calling for change.”

Ian Gilbert, leader of the council, explained the importance of standing together with the rest of the world to tackle racism.

He said: “Part of what makes Southend such a great borough to live in is the amazing and diverse community that lives here.

“As a council, we feel it is important we show support for those colleagues, residents and visitors who experience racism of any form.

“Our purple lights yesterday show Southend is somewhere that welcomes inclusion and involvement from all parts of our richly diverse population and show that racism is simply not acceptable here and still needs to be tackled in all its forms.”