What is happening in America these days is sobering. Not just because the rampage of violence happens over a period of emergency international health care, but also because the whole world cannot ignore it in the face of so much hatred. The death of George Floyd, the black man killed by the police, caused outrage. And started numerous protests in America with the "blacklivesmatter". The US says no to racism and any form of discrimination. Protests lasted for groups, until yesterday, when America stopped for the funeral in Minneapolis of the 46-year-old African-American.
The demonstration in America was born with the international activist movement "Blacklivesmatter", black lives matter, committed against racism. But unfortunately, alongside the peaceful demonstrations, protests in some cities have resulted in violence. Far from the ideal that prompted thousands of people to join the movement. And among the many names in support of the peaceful protests there is also that of an Italian, the musician Gabriele Ciampi.
Blacklivesmatter, a protest that is involving the world
Floyd has become the symbol of the struggle for the rights of African Americans. Those words "I can't breathe", I can't breathe, an extreme request for help before dying, have become the slogan to raise awareness of what is happening in America. A state that stopped for the last farewell to the 46 year old, after days of chaos, fury, violence. Teacher Gabriele Ciampi also talks about what is happening in the United States, conductor composer and the only Italian on the jury at the Grammy Awards. He was a Los Angeles during the clashes. Hell, he said.
"I was at the main market, between Firefox and 3rd Street, one of the main avenues, to do some shopping - he explained to Ansa-. I noticed about 500 people on the street with signs against the killing of George Floyd in Minnesota. In just a few minutes, everything happened, at least 2 people arrived and the protest, which had been peaceful until then, was transformed with extreme violence.. "
Ciampi's adhesion to the blacklivesmatter movement at the invitation of the Obama family
Ciampi then decided to support the protest pacific which in a few days has also spread with the slogan #blacklivesmatter. "One of the scenes that most shocked me - he said - it was seeing the police officers throwing tear gas at people, I had never witnessed such a thing, it is really scary and also makes you think. A similar situation has not occurred since 1992, the last year in which a general curfew was declared. At dawn the National Guard also arrived near my house, they blocked roads and highways with tanks and anti-riot vehicles. "
The Obama family asked Ciampi for his help in support of the Blacklivesmatter movement. "I am very attached to the Obama family - added -. And I am proud to have received their invitation to support the commitment to non-violence and anti-racism in America. Carried out by the Obama Foundation. I support the #blacklivesmatter because, thanks also to the great commitment of the Obama family. It remains a non-violent social movement in support of the African American community in America. A movement in which, among the various arts, music has the task of educating. Music breaks down any barrier and allows, by closing the eyes, to see the light even in total darkness. "
And in Italy football stops, many in support of the blacklivesmatter
Over the past few days, Italian football has also left its mark in the face of what is affecting America. The #BlackOutTuesday was launched, a day to reflect on racism. Many have posted a black screen on social media, as a sign of mourning, a silent protest just over a week after Floyd's death. Among the players who play in Italy Dybala, Matuidi, Bonucci, Douglas Costa, Khedira, De Ligt, Pjanic and Bernardesch. And again Eriksen, Candreva, Asamoah, Vecino, De Vrij, Borja Valero, Kessié, Paquetá, Calabria, Musacchio and Leao. Others such as Immobile, Koulibaly, Insigne, Mertens, Milik, Lucas Leiva, Luis Alberto, Rincon, Luca Pellegrini, Petagna, Ribery, Quagliarella, Juan Jesus and Florenzi. And then the symbolic image of the Roma team on social media.
The international protest continues
And so while America has stopped for Floyd's funeral and the echo of the protests has gone around the world, the invitation to non-violence comes from many quarters. Protests yes but as long as they are peaceful. At a time when all nations are on their knees due to the Covid emergency, which unfortunately still causes many victims, the desire to rally around the protesters is born. And against all discrimination. At the same time to spread the culture of non-violence. In the memory of so many Americans who have remained in the hearts of many who have made the history of the defense of human rights.
