World heavyweight boxing champion, Anthony Joshua led the “Black Lives Matter” protest in his hometown, Watford, on Saturday to add his voice to the widespread agitation for racial equality in the United States and elsewhere.
The Nigerian-born boxer who rallied with his Watford community despite needing crutches to support an ongoing injury said the world can no longer sit back and remain silent on the senseless and unlawful killings of innocent blacks. Joshua laments that despite the unquantifiable contributions of the Blacks to numerous communities across the globe they are not accorded their rightful place in Europe and outside Africa.
The Unified World Heavyweight Champion marched through the streets of his hometown before speaking to the gathering at a park, where he read a poem from another Watford local and friend.
It was one of many BLM protests across the UK on Saturday, despite the government Health Secretary, Matt Hancock warning against the demonstrations because of the risks to Coronavirus social distancing measures.
In a speech shared via his official Instagram account, 30-year-old Joshua said there is need to speak out in peaceful demonstrations to put an end to unacceptable attacks against black people. He pleaded with the people not to use the demonstration for selfish motives and turn it into rioting and looting.
Joshua wore all black, including one black leather glove and a “Black Lives Matter” T-shirt, and was one of many people who spoke at the gathering.
Observers are of the opinion that the worldwide protest over the death of George Floyd in the United States will certainly mark the turning point in the fight against racial discrimination.
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Since the death of George Floyd on May 25 in the United States, demonstrations have been widespread and in England a number of sportsmen and women have also shown their support for the “Black lives Matter” Movement.
(Editor: Terverr Tyav)
