AN EVENT in support of the Black Lives Matter movement is set to take place in Richmond this weekend.

Similar evens have also been planned in Darlington, with the happening last night.

The Richmond event is planned for1pm at the Obelisk in the Market Place, and will last 30 minutes.

It will include two speakers and a nine-minute silent kneel before ending on a reflective poem.

The rally is part of the global Black Lives Matter movement, sparked by the killing of George Floyd, a 46-year-old black man who died after a police officer knelt on his neck in Minneapolis last month.

The protest is organised by the newly-formed group Anti-Racism in Richmondshire.

Organisers have asked that masks are worn at all times and they are encourage attendees to bring hand sanitiser, as well as signs.

The group says marshals will be at at the event to enforce social distancing measures and, if needed, remove anyone who tries to cause disruption.

They say local police have also been notified of the event.

The group describes the protest as “an opportunity to express your frustration with the injustice that is within our UK systems, and show that we will not be silenced by the prejudices also held by some within our Dales communities”.

Another peaceful protest is scheduled to take place in Darlington Market Place on Saturday, June 20.

It is being organised by town resident Elizabeth Fruin, who had also planned to take part in last night’s event.

She said: “I’m South African and I grew up with a lot of racial tension. I do believe racism exists worldwide and police brutality is an issue worldwide. It doesn’t just belong to the US.

“Even in our small town we have issues. I’m not saying they are as bad as in the states but we do have to open our eyes to it. We can only do that if people bring it into the light.

“I do know people who have problems because of their origin or the colour of their skin. A lot of people don’t like to talk about it in this country.”

That event on June 20 takes place at 6pm. Participants are being urged to lie or sit for eight minutes and 46 seconds – the same amount of time that George Floyd was held down by a police officer in Minneapolis last month – while chanting “I can’t breathe”.

It will be followed by two minutes and 53 seconds of silence.

Markers are being put out to try and ensure social distancing.