Local support for #BlackLivesMatter

It may have happened thousands of miles away, but the public death of black man George Floyd at the hands of police officers has shocked the world, and some in Welshpool showed their support for a movement calling for a global change in attitude towards race.

A handful of protesters welcomed cars on the approach to Welshpool on Thursday in support of #BlackLivesMatter, and photographer Phil Blagg said they were receiving plenty of support from motorists.

The issue spilled over to the Welshpool Community Melting Pot Group Facebook page with a post calling for black history education in Welsh schools removed by administrators who felt it crossed their guidelines for local information only. That sparked even more lively debate well into the night.

Mr Floyd was arrested for allegedly trying to buy goods with a fake $20 note in Minneapolis. He was restrained by police officers, with one – Derek Chauvin – arrested on a charge of second-degree murder after being filmed with his knee on Mr Floyd’s neck for over eight minutes. Three other officers have also been charged with aiding and abetting second-degree murder.

Largely peaceful protests have been held across the world since calling for a change in attitude towards race.