Black Lives Matter protests raise awareness of racism issue across Ross
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A SHOW of solidarity with the global Black Lives Matter movement across Ross-shire has sparked debate on the extent of racism in the county amidst soul-searching over the best way forward.
Activists on the Black Isle voiced disappointment that signs made by young adults to highlight the issue were removed overnight with local online forums reflecting polarised views.
In Ullapool, the placement along the waterfront seawall of 100 hand-painted tiles bearing the names, ages and dates of death of people of colour who have died in custody in the UK offered poignant food for thought as activists staged a peaceful demonstration.
The campaign has gathered momentum in the weeks following the death in police custody of African-American George Floyd in Minneapolis after an officer knelt on his neck for almost nine minutes during a routine arrest. Footage sparked outrage and protests.
Noel Hawkins, an observer of the Ullapool event, mostly led by young people, said: "It was done in a socially distanced way, with no destruction or aggression yet still seems to have attracted the wrath of some who seem to feel that any efforts to highlight what is happening somehow threatens their own existence and also those who feel we should just all sit and be quiet/say nothing. It was a positive day and great to see it being led by the young members of the community."
He quoted philosopher Edmund Burke: "The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing.”
Banners were put up in communities across the Black Isle, with some pointing to the area's links to the slave trade which helped fund the construction of Fortrose Academy. Cromarty-based historian David Alson has extensively researched connections and his earlier findings were widely shared.
One of those involved on the Black Isle, Iona Henderson, said she regretted the fact "cowards go out between the hours of midnight and 6am to remove signs made by young adults who wish to show solidarity with a hugely important global movement".
She was amongst many in support of the peaceful protests insisting the movement remains very relevant to Ross-shire and the wider Highlands and deserves an airing.
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