Organisers behind a Black Lives Matter solidarity event on one of Tenby’s beaches last week, have implored those against the protests to learn about the darker side of British colonialism and its legacy in society today.

Working in tandem with Stand Up to Racism West Wales the local organisers held the ‘orderly, friendly and peaceful’ BLM protest on the sands of Tenby’s Castle Beach last Wednesday, with all involved gathering to take a knee to show support, whilst speakers highlighted some of the issues surrounding racism across the UK.

Former Tenby pupils Fred Stace-Smith and Harry Whitehurst who spoke at the event, thanked those that attended and have said that they hope to see more join them for another protest this week (July 1) on Castle Beach once again at 6 pm, encouraging local people to support the cause.

“One of the goals of these protests in Britain is to change the curriculum to properly include black British history and the British civil rights movement, but currently the responsibility falls upon us as individuals to educate ourselves,” said Harry who also sits on Tenby Town Council.

“So, I implore the people against these protests to do some research. Listen to black voices about their struggles and history in the UK. Learn about the darker side of British colonialism and its legacy in society today. Maybe then you'll feel the need to stand with us on Wednesday evening.

“Obviously the Black Lives Matter movement started in America, and I think it's important to stand in solidarity with the current protests surrounding the murder of George Floyd. However, it's easy to see the severe racial injustices in America and pretend we don't have any issues here in the UK.

“I can give you government statistics showing that the police are four times more likely to use force when detaining a black person, or that black people are nearly ten times more likely to have stop and search powers used against them. I can show you an investigative article detailing how the same style of choke hold that killed George Floyd is used in the UK and that its use is linked with the deaths of four black men in 2017.

“But despite all the statistics that show the reality of systemic racism in the UK, we are somehow reluctant as a country to acknowledge our problems and try to change things,” he continued.

“I don't dismiss all those who oppose these protests as racist. Some cite concerns about spread of coronavirus, but with no new cases in Pembrokeshire over the past few weeks, only having local people in attendance, and maintaining social distancing and use of masks, we believe this risk to be truly minimal.

“Furthermore, a recent study showed no discernible increase in coronavirus cases in the three weeks following expansive protests in America. Beyond that, I believe opposition comes primarily from a general lack of awareness of the issues faced by black people in the UK; and this lack of awareness can be a far easier option than facing challenging truths.

“Protests like these aren't usually seen in small towns. Ultimately, large protests with big numbers have a greater impact when trying to convince those in power to commit to change. However, smaller, socially-distanced protests are a much safer option because of the current pandemic.

“To keep them safe, we require strict social distancing of 2m between separate households and ask everyone to wear a mask when possible,” continued Harry.

Fred added: “Following from the success of last week, we're holding another protest in Tenby, so come show your support for the Black Lives Matter movement on Wednesday - and before people start commenting 'all lives matter', remember that by saying black lives matter we are not saying other lives don't matter.

“What we're doing is bringing attention to the ways in which people of colour face prejudice, discrimination, and structural racism all over the world just by virtue of being black.

“Thanks everyone for your support in fighting racism and discrimination.”