The shooting of Jacob Blake seven times in the back by a Wisconsin Law official in Kenosha has unleashed a fresh wave of Black Lives Matter mobilisations in the US, determined to force action on systemic racism and police brutality.
A series of demonstrations in Kenosha immediately followed Jacob Blake’s shooting where, horrifically, two people were killed and one injured after being shot down by a far-right gunman who police allowed to walk away still carrying the rifle.
The demonstrations in cities across the US that followed were the latest in what many are now realising is a serious and longlasting movement for change. Most notably, the world of sport saw a series of unprecedented and historic series of strike actions by players and cancelling of games, starting with the Wisconsin-based Milwaukee Bucks.
“We are calling for justice for Jacob Blake and demand the officers be held accountable. For this to occur, it is imperative for the Wisconsin State Legislature to reconvene after months of inaction and take up meaningful measures to address issues of police accountability, brutality and criminal justice reform. We encourage all citizens to educate themselves, take peaceful and responsible action, and remember to vote on Nov. 3.”
– Statement by the Milwaukee Bucks basketball team
The Bucks’ action was met with immediate solidarity from their opponents the Orlando Magic and all play-off games that day were cancelled. Their sister Baseball team the Milwaukee Brewers also cancelled their game, again met with immediate solidarity from their opponents, and eventually every team in Baseball cancelled a game over the following 36 hours, as well as all Ice Hockey play-offs on Thursday and Friday.
WNBA players joined protests by wearing t-shirts with bullet holes in the back, and players from across the US and the sporting world spoke passionately about levels of racism in US society and the need for change.
Protests are continuing across the US and the World, with today’s March on Washington – ‘Get Your Knee Off Our Necks’ set to draw tens of thousands both in person and online.
In Britain, protests have taken place across the country organised by local Stand Up To Racism and Black Lives Matter groups calling for justice for Jacob Blake, and this weekend will see two crucial demonstrations in London calling for justice:
SATURDAY 29 AUGUST – US EMBASSY – 1PM – Enough is enough – Justice for Jacob Blake, George Floyd, Breonna Taylor & Black lives in the UK.
SUNDAY 30 AUGUST – NOTTING HILL – 1PM – JOIN THE FIGHT FOR CHANGE – https://millionpeoplemarch.com/
