Eight minutes and 46 seconds on your knees. Those eight minutes and 46 seconds that recall the time when George Floyd, the 46-year-old African American, was crushed by the knee of the agent who killed him. And they have become the symbol of the protest that is spreading from America to many other countries. To say no to all forms of discrimination and racism. Italy is also on its knees for George Floyd. In this weekend just spent demonstrations in the streets in Rome and Milan, with the participation of many people from the show business.
Italy on its knees against racism
The mobilization that takes its name from the slogan "Blacklivesmatter", to which the musician has also joined Gabriel Ciampi, has seen a great deal of membership in Italy. In Rome, thousands, despite the provisions on social distancing, took part in the demonstration. Wearing the masks they shouted in the square "I can't breathe" and other slogans to say no to racism. In Piazza del Popolo in Rome there were many families, many young people. And many slogans such as "No justice, no peace ”,“ Defund the police ”,“ fuck racism".
To promote the event via social networks some associations and movements, such as Young Green Europeanists, Fridaysforfuture-Roma, Nibi Neri italiani - Black italians, 6000 sardines, Extinction Rebellion Rome International, American Expats for Positive Change and Women's March Rome.
On his knees also in Milan
And the protest also extended to Milan, to remember George Floyd. Despite the bad weather, the Lombard capital responded with many demonstrators. Among them also Fedez, Chiara Ferragni and Mahmood in Piazza Duca d'Aosta. Italy on its knees in many regions to shout dissent over what is happening overseas.
Among the slogans and banners on the streets of Milan are the words "No justice, no peace", "White silence is violence", "Racism is the worst virus", "Italy is not innocent". And during the demonstration, the “Abba Vive” association read a list of names and stories of black people killed by racism in Italy. "A list - explains the association - it is neither complete nor exhaustive: it is the beginning of a necessary memory process". There is also room for many testimonies from men and women who have suffered racist insults. And then the most significant moment: those 8 minutes and 46 seconds on his knees in memory of that dramatic moment experienced by the XNUMX-year-old from Minneapolis.
Event also in Turin
Many other Italian cities have joined in this global protest. Event also in Turin. In fact, there are many cities in Northern Italy where many immigrants live, many of them Italian citizens who unfortunately still continue to suffer abuse and insults for their skin color. Because if racism in America manifests itself in violent episodes, which often end tragically, in Italy there are still many people who suffer in silence. A climate of hatred that is not good for an entire community, trying to defend the foreign, but which unfortunately still manifests fear and distrust of foreigners.
