Peaceful but emotional Black Lives Matter protest took place in Jyväskylä city on Saturday, 6th of June. Just as many other protests that started after the killing of George Floyd by a police officer in the US, it was calling for racial justice, protest against police brutality, and against racism not only in the US but elsewhere in the world. Among the participants Finnish first black female MP – Bella Forsgren also gave a speech.
I tried to document as much as possible on this rainy day. On the stage of the Lounaspuisto park invited speakers and other participants of the protest expressed their pain, frustration, and hope. Around 200 people gathered in the park, I guess, but only 50 were able to march on the street because of the COVID-19 pandemic restrictions.
People were trying to keep in mind the social distancing measures and personal protection rules. Finnish police provided safety for the event and were thanked by one of the participants of the event during the free mic part.
It was nice to see so many people who care for racial justice in a small town like Jyväskylä that day. And it is nice to see so many people of different ethnicities and backgrounds supporting this movement and not only in the US or Finland but all around the world and it gives hope that finally, things will change and no one will feel insecure, in danger, or unwanted just because of the color of his or her skin…
