AFTER a weekend of protests action in the UK, which saw outbreaks of violence and the defamation of statues including that of Winston Churchill in London, a Thurrock equality organisation issued its message today following the death, in America, of George Floyd.

The 46-year-old black man, died in Minneapolis, Minnesota, after white police officer Derek Chauvin knelt on his neck for almost nine minutes while Floyd was handcuffed and lying face down on the street. Chauvin has been charged with his murder and three other offices present also face serious charges.

The death sparked waves of violent protest including looting and rioting in many American cities and further across the word included thousands marching in London yesterday (Sunday, 7 June) when some protesters clashed with police. Some 12 people were arrested and eight police officers were injured.

This morning the directors of Thurrock BME, which represents the Black Ethnic Minority Community in the borough, issued the following statement: "Thurrock BME stand together as one with the BME community in saying that we are profoundly saddened by the senseless killing of George Floyd and the persecution of black people across the world.

"We send our love and support to the family of George Floyd and the countless others who have been brutally taken away too soon due to the colour of their skin.

"We will continue to speak out against such atrocities and inequalities.

"Our overall aim is to ensure there is equity of treatment, no matter the colour of your skin, your age or your disability."

The directors of Thurrock BME, who issued the statement, are Pastor Niji Olujobi, former borough councillor and mayor Tunde Ojetola and clergyman and businessman Anthony Ashaye.

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Their aim in running the organisation is to ensure that the BME Community is represented appropriately within established institutions in Thurrock. Thurrock BMS says the institutions include schools, sports clubs, council and all other institutions that exist within Thurrock that influences members of our community.

And it adds: "We are working to improve the lives of ethnic minorities and we do this by making sure your voices and opinions are heard and considered by institutions."