The world is in uproar as we scream: black lives matter. They always have

Over the past few weeks America, and in turn the rest of the world, has been in pain. Following the death of George Floyd, a black man murdered in broad daylight by four Minneapolis policemen for allegedly handling counterfeit 20 dollar bills, U.S. citizens were in an uproar. How can it be that yet another black life has been taken in the hands of those who are meant to serve us? How can it be that neither of the four men has been charged with first-degree manslaughter? The answer, which hurts to the very core, is because in the U.S. and around the world too, from Europe to South America, black lives are since centuries and still treated as though they are lesser.

Welcome back to FairPlanet's weekly roundup. We have jumped from a global pandemic that has disproportionately impacted black and minority lives to yet another cry that we all wake up to the reality and begin to truly make a change. Change how we think. Change what we teach. Change our legal and health systems. And always, Read, Debate: Engage.

North America

Protesters have gathered in cities across Canada and in Mexico's capital, Mexico City waving placards with the words "No justice! No peace!", "I can't breathe" and "Black lives matter".

South America

Protesters took to the streets of Brazil's second-largest city Rio de Janerio and Argentina's capital, Buenos Aires.

Europe

Protests across several European cities, including Berlin, London, Paris and Amsterdam have been showing solidarity with the Black Lives Matter movement.

The European Union stated it was "shocked and appalled" by the death of Floyd, calling it "an abuse of power" and warned against further excessive use of force.

Africa

Protests were held in Nigeria, Kenya and Zimbabwe.

The African Union issued a strongly worded statement condemning the killing of Floyd.

Asia-Pacific

Rallies were held in several cities across Australia and New Zealand.

Middle East

Gatherings in Tel Aviv, Haifa and East Jerusalem demanded "Justice for George" and "Justice for Eyad" an unarmed, autistic Palestinian man killed by Israeli police.

Even in the war-torn province of Idlib in Syria artists painted a mural to honour George Floyd and to protest racism.

White Ignorance Is Violence

The Black Lives Matter movement has seen millions come together in unity and solidarity, from all backgrounds and ethnicities, with a relatively large backing from white people. Yet, still too many remain silent, let alone those who don't (or don't want to) understand that racism is a precondition of white privilege.

"How much time do you want for your progress?"

For 400 years, systemic racism has been deeply embedded in American history. White people's freedom, opportunities and wealth have been built on the back of African Americans.

There have never been reconciliation, nor reparation. White Americans owe African Americans. White people need to recognise their responsibility to act, because it's their moral duty, and because black people, of course, cannot overcome racism on their own.

James Baldwin asked "What is it you want myself to reconcile to?" and continued "I was born here and I'm almost 60 years old, I won't live another 60 years. It's taken my father's time, it's taken my mother's time, my brothers' and sisters' time. How much time do you want for YOUR "progress"?"

"Take me out of it!"

Or to say it in Toni Morrison's words: "If you can only be tall because somebody is on their knees, then you have a serious problem. My feeling is white people have a very, very serious problem, and they should start thinking about what THEY can do about it. Take ME out it!"

White people need to acknowledge their privilege and understand that you don't need to be a racist to uphold a racist system – but you do that just by not being against it.

The movement and the coming together of hundreds of thousands of people have proven that our voices can be heard if we stop being complicit to the reality around us. This is not only a black or brown person's fight.

If you value human life, dignity for all and equality, then you too must go out to protest, write your local representative, if you can, donate to organisations helping. Speak out to your family, your friends.