Powerful signs calling for social justice are seen all over the world.
22 of the Most Powerful Signs Seen at Black Lives Matter Protests
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The world has been caught up in a surge of protests against racism for the past few days. After the death of George Floyd, a Black man who died in police custody in Minneapolis after a police officer pinned him to the ground with his knee on Floyd’s neck, people began to rally to condemn racism and call for justice for Floyd (as well as the many other Black lives lost to police brutality). To highlight the important message of the Black Lives Matter movement, we rounded up some of the most powerful signs that were seen at the protests. To further educate yourself on what’s happening, make sure you also read up on why desegregation didn’t put an end to racism.
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Who do we call when police murder?
This powerful sign is from the protests in Southampton, United Kingdom, which was organized as part of a worldwide Black Lives Matter solidarity march. Protesters from all around the world have been standing in solidarity with the Black Lives Matter movement in the United States.
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Silence is violence
If we don’t speak out against the injustices we see in the world, a change for the better can never be possible. If you’re thinking about going to a protest yourself, make sure you change these phone settings before you head there.
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White silence = Black deaths
Even if you’re not personally affected by racism, it is crucial to speak up against it. This sign was seen at the protest in front of the Orlando Police Headquarters in Orlando, Florida.
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The colour of my skin is not a weapon
A person’s race or ethnicity does not make them a criminal. This sign was seen at a protest in the United Kingdom. Here’s why you should stop saying, “I don’t see color.”
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Say their names
In addition to George Floyd, there have been many Black people (like Eric Garner, Philando Castile, Alton Sterling, Delrawn Small) who have been lost to police brutality over the years.
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If you are not angry you are not paying attention
This sign, seen in a protest in Pennsylvania, highlights the importance of speaking up against racism and injustice. These books are essential to help you understand racism in America.
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I can’t breathe
Security footage showed that before his death, George Floyd continually told the officers that he couldn’t breathe. Like Floyd, in 2014 a Black man named Eric Garner had also died after being put in a chokehold by a police officer, and Garner’s dying words, “I can’t breathe” have since become a rallying call for justice.
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Who do you call when the murderer wears a badge
If the people who are supposed to protect you are not doing their job, who do you call for help?
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Racism is a system not an event
It’s important to keep in mind when protesting that incidents of racism are all part of a bigger system. Now, check out these 12 podcasts about race you need to hear.
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How many weren’t filmed
The four police officers involved in George Floyd’s death have been arrested. However, people have been wondering what would happen if there was no video of the events that led to Floyd’s death.
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Am I next
This powerful sign is from a rally in downtown Las Vegas, and talks about the anxiety that comes with living in a society where there is no social justice.
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I will never understand but I stand
You may not be able to understand racism if you haven’t experienced it personally. However, it’s still important to support social justice reform.
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If you think your mask makes it hard to breathe, imagine being Black in America
This sign from a protest in Boyertown, Pennsylvania, really speaks for itself.
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Black lives matter
This powerful scene is from the protests in front of the White House in Washington, D.C.
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Pro-Black isn’t anti-White
Fighting for the rights of Black people doesn’t mean the loss of White people’s rights.
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Racism is the pandemic
To create a better world, it is crucial to end the spread of racism.
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This place is dedicated to the slaves that were taken from their homes
Protesters in Bristol, England, toppled the statue of Edward Colston, a 17th-century slave-trader, and tossed it into the harbor. These protesters hung this sign in the place of the statue.
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Stop killing us
This sign is from a solidarity protest in Osaka, Japan. And if you don’t know what to do to support the Black Lives Matter movement, here are ways you can fight racism everyday.
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Fight the power
It might be hard to fight against racism, but it’s still important to persist. Here’s what anti-racism means and what it means to be anti-racist.
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That’s not a chip on my shoulder, it’s 400 years of oppression and racial injustice
These protests are not unfounded, there is a real need for racial justice that spans over many years.
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Racism is a disease, revolution is a cure
Social justice will make the society we live in a better one for everyone. If you cannot physically be there at the protests, here are the charities that need your support.
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Trans, queer, poor, young, old, all Black lives matter.
While fighting for social justice, it’s important to remember not to turn against people who are supporting the same cause. Next, you will be moved by these powerful protest photos from around the world to show global solidarity against racial injustice.
For more on this important issue, see our guide to the Fight Against Racism.
