HUNDREDS of people took part in a rally at Belfast City Hall yesterday to protest over the death of George Floyd.
Mr Floyd (46), an African-American man, died in policy custody in the United States nine days ago.
Protesters chanted "I can't breathe", echoing Mr Floyd's words as he pleaded with a police officer to stop kneeling on his neck.
Mobile phone footage of the white officer kneeling on his neck provoked a furious reaction across America, leading to protests and riots.
Derek Chauvin was subsequently sacked from the police and has been charged with third-degree murder.
Thousands also attended a rally in London's Hyde Park chanting "black lives matter" and "we will not be silent".
Organisers of yesterday’s rally in Belfast said they were overwhelmed with the numbers and diversity of those who attended.
Jolene Francis, who helped organise the rally, said that while social distancing was important, she believed there was a "social responsibility to show our solidarity and demand justice against racial discrimination".
“There’s a history of solidarity between us here in Belfast and the black community in American and we don’t plan on having our voices silenced,” she said.
Asked about the rally, Stormont's Economy Minister Diane Dodds said she understood why people wanted to demonstrate, but large gatherings could pose a risk to curbing the spread of Covid-19.
She said: "We have all watched with horror the video of the death of George Floyd.
"Many people are concerned to make their voice heard and to let the authorities know they stand in solidarity.
"However for us in the here and now, controlling the rate of the virus is really important.
"It is incumbent upon all of us to act responsibly and practise social distancing."
A number of protests have been organised across Ireland in coming days.
The North West Migrants’ Forum has organised a protest outside Guildhall Square in Derry this Saturday.
Lilian Seenoi-Barr said the socially distanced rally was organised to allow people to show their support for the “Black Lives Matter” movement.
Two rallies have also been organised in Dublin this weekend, one at The Spire on O’Connell Street and the other outside the US embassy, to ensure social distancing.
In Derry newly elected mayor,Brian Tierney has opened a book of condolence for Mr Floyd. It can also be signed through Derry City and Strabane District Council’s website at www.derrystrabane.com/Book-of-Condolences-for-George-Floyd.
A new mural in support of Black Lives Matter was also started on Belfast's Falls road yesterday. Backed by tourism development organsations, Fáilte Feirste Thiar and Féile an Phobail, the mural is being created by artists, Marty Lyons and Mickey Docherty.
Fáilte Feirste Thiar director, Harry Connolly said it would send a message of solidarity to the Black Lives Matter campaign and those suffering racism.
