The death of George Floyd

25 May 2020 The world is still living in fear of a coronavirus pandemic and the media attention is focused on this. However, this is about to change. At 8 pm, George Floyd is arrested by the police for using a counterfeit note. After only a few minutes, the situation starts to become tense. On witness footage we see three police officers pressing Floyd's body with their knees. He does not behave aggressively, but the police officers unlawfully continue their actions for the next 8 minutes and 46 seconds . One of them holds his knee on Floyd's neck .

I can't breathe, I can't breathe!

This phrase is repeated at least 16 times by Floyd. In the footage available online, we can also hear the policeman order the African-American to get into the car. Floyd replies that he will get in, but the police officers continue to press him to the ground. At one point we hear the despairing word Mum from the detainee's mouth. Moments later, Floyd loses consciousness. Witnesses urge the police officers to stop their actions, but they only do so when the ambulance arrives. George Floyd dies in hospital.

Black Lives Matter

People around the world are outraged by the aggressive actions of police officers. Also very worrying are the results of a study by the US National Academy of Sciences, which says that a black person is 2.5 times more likely to die at the hands of police officers in the US than a white person. But this is not the only problem. Racism against black people is present in all spheres of their lives. Also in Poland. All these things have triggered the start of many protests not only in America, but all over the world.

What can you do?

It is extremely important that we also join the Black Lives Matter action. There are several ways to do this:

• Spread awareness - social activism is one of the most important things you can do. Share a worthwhile post on Facebook or Instagram, send your friends credible information. Helpful sources abound and public awareness of the issue is key.

• Make a donation - there are many organisations both American and European that you can support. For example, The Red Card, Black Visions Collective and The European Network Against Racism.

• Sign petitions - there are several working petitions online on this issue, for example: https://www.change.org/p/mayor-jacob-frey-justice-for-george-floyd.

• Go to a protest - there are also ongoing protests in Poland. The easiest way to find them is via Facebook by searching the phrase Black Lives Matter protest.

- I feel, that we are being treated differently. I don't like that we are treated differently just because of the colour of our skin. We are black people, we shouldn't feel that way. We do this because we have to have rights," said nine-year-old Zianna through tears. A heartbreaking sight. This issue demands our action. Let's do even the little things, such as signing a petition, because they are what bring the biggest changes.