Black Lives Matter Protests: Local Experiences of Mobilization

Описание: This forum provides panellists and attendees an opportunity to reflect on and share their local experiences of mobilization as part of this summer’s global anti-racism protests.

In May 2020, the killing of George Floyd inspired a re-emergence of Black Lives Matter protests in the US, reflecting rising anger over police brutality and the treatment of Black Americans.

Within days, protests erupted across the world with activists mobilizing not only in solidarity with their American counterparts but to highlight and address systemic racism in their own societies.

In much of western Europe, organizers have uncapped conversations surrounding their countries' colonial histories. In South Africa and Brazil, activists have, among other grievances, denounced state-sanctioned violence. And in Australia, campaigns have focused on the mistreatment of indigenous populations who have been subjected to mass killings and marginalization since the arrival of white settlers in the 18th century.

What have been the challenges and opportunities associated with being part of a decentralized and interdependent network of organizations and individuals? What does it mean to ‘act local & think global’?

To what extent is the global health crisis, which is disproportionately affecting the lives and livelihoods of ethnic minorities, shaping the conversation? And how can momentum be sustained and transformed into meaningful reform?