By Hundreds of people have turned out Oxford’s Black Lives Matter March.
Oxford’s #BlackLivesMatter peaceful protest, organised by Black Lives Matter Oxford, commenced at 5pm (16.06) at Union Street, before moving throughout the city towards Oriel College where protesters sat whilst listening to speeches.
Earlier in the day, three Thames Valley Police vans were noticed setting up barriers inside Christchurch Meadow, but when questioned, noted they were working on “precaution only” as the #BLM event organisers had assured them it would be a peaceful demonstration.
Despite recent clashes during protests in London and elsewhere in the country, the Oxford #BLM protest was a peaceful one, with no incidents violence reported.
Whilst the 2m distance rule between protestors was not kept, a large proportion of protesters were wearing masks and many people in attendance stated they felt ‘safe’ in attending.
In contrast, many people online spoke out, noting that they strongly disagreed with this style of protest and felt the protesters were ‘being selfish’ – especially by not considering those still in isolation.
The protest comes the day before college board members prepare to discuss the future of a monument to Cecil Rhodes which has become a focus of the #blacklivesmatter movement in Oxford.
Earlier today the Rhodes Must Fall Oxford movement tweeted:
‘Oriel College Governing Body will meet tomorrow 17th June 2020 to decide the fate of the statue. Join #RhodesMustFall at the #BlackLivesMatter march TODAY – lets remind Oriel the world is watching. #Decolonise you heard right this is #FreedomSummer’
Gi Media will update on this matter over the coming days. Any images, video or feedback can be forwarded to oxford@gi-media.co.uk
B&W image by @jthax
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