Wythenshawe Hall will light up tonight (June 2nd) in solidarity with those protesting for equal rights across America and round the globe.
The racist killing of George Floyd in Minneapolis has sparked outrage across the United States with protests in more than 22 cities.
Mr Floyd died after a policeman knelt on his neck for more than nine minutes. The officer has been charged with third degree murder and manslaughter and there have been calls for other officers to be charged as well.
Mr Floyd’s death, the latest in a number of killings including Ahmaud Arbery and Breonna Taylor this year, led to an outpouring of anger. There have have been solidarity Black Lives Matter protests in the UK including Manchester.
And Manchester United star Marcus Rashford, from Wythenshawe, voiced his support for the ‘Black Lives Matter’ movement.
#blacklivesmatter pic.twitter.com/LSEeQ61YRz
— Marcus Rashford (@MarcusRashford) June 1, 2020
The footballer said on Twitter: “At a time I’ve been asking people to come together, work together and be united, we appear to be more divided than ever. People are hurting and people need answers.
“Black lives matter. Black culture matters. Black communities matter. We matter. #justiceforgeorgefloyd #justiceforahmaudarbery #justiceforbreonnataylor.’
Manchester City Council’s decision to light up Wythenshawe Town Hall follows a similar announcement by Liverpool City Council to uplight it’s municipal buildings
Manchester Town Hall would usually be lit to mark such events, but the ongoing Our Town Hall project means uplighting the building will not be possible.
Sir Richard Leese, Leader of Manchester City Council, said: “Discrimination takes many forms, but in whatever guise it takes, it must be challenged head on. This is the only way we can make the world a more fair and equal place to live for everyone.
“The ongoing protests in America may feel thousands of miles away, but they are asking for the fundamental right to live, be safe and be free.
“These are the simple requests that we as a global community of people should have a right to expect.
“Manchester has always been a city that tries to unite our communities while celebrating our diversity.
“For this reason, Manchester will always stand in solidarity with those who feel they have no other choice other than to protest and fight for a more equal place in the world.”