Black Lives Matter activists challenge the policing of public space

More than a thousand protesters gathered outside Oriel College, chanting for the removal of the Rhodes statue. The rally drew on the Rhodes Must Fall movement and global anti-racist uprising,...

After the Colston statue was removed, residents gathered around its empty plinth with placards and messages. The space became an improvised memorial and forum for debate about slavery, resistance...

Protests in cities including London, Cardiff, Manchester and Glasgow brought local anti-racist demands into a shared national mobilization. Organizers called attention to policing, unequal health...

Survivors and families continued to demand justice, safe housing and accountability from public institutions and corporations. Their organizing connected the fire to social housing policy,...

Migrant-led organizations supported people facing insecure housing, loss of income and barriers to healthcare during COVID-19. Their work challenged policies that tied access to support to immigration...

Grassroots groups used the annual day to challenge gendered violence, institutional failures and the withdrawal of support services. Black-led feminist networks connected the issue to colonial and...

Women and allies assembled to mourn Sarah Everard and discuss violence and safety in public space. The vigil became a debate over police power after officers removed attendees. Feminist organizers...

Thousands protested the Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts Bill in Bristol. The demonstrations brought together civil-liberties, anti-racist and climate activists concerned that protest itself would...

Further demonstrations followed the first Bristol protest, with community organizers condemning police violence and restrictions on assembly. Participants linked the legislation to a longer history of...

Disability justice organizers warned that new police powers and inaccessible public policy threatened both assembly and independent living. Their advocacy connected the right to protest with...