Wainhouse Tower in Halifax will join buildings across the UK and light up purple in memory of George Floyd and in solidarity with the Black Lives Matter movement.
Black Lives Matter is a global campaign challenging systematic and structural racism. People have come together across the world following the death of George Floyd in the United States last week.
From Friday 5 June, Calderdale Council is lighting the iconic landmark of Wainhouse Tower purple to demonstrate its support for the campaign and to stand as a proud symbol of recognition for the borough’s diverse communities.
The Leader of Calderdale Council, Cllr Tim Swift, said:
“At a time when we should all be coming together to fight this global pandemic, the issue of racism has reared its ugly head again and divided families and cities.
“Like many I was shocked by the tragic and senseless murder of George Floyd; on behalf of the people of this borough of Calderdale I offer our thoughts and sympathies to everyone affected by these awful events.
“Calderdale has always been a safe, welcoming area with many diverse and vibrant communities and we oppose any discrimination, hate speech or racially motivated activity. That is why we stand united with the Black Lives Matter movement. I am proud of the ‘policing by consent’ model on which our police forces operate and I know that our local police officers work hard to keep all our communities safe.
“It is important that we all take time to pause and reflect on the horrific death of George Floyd. Many of us will be feeling anger and sadness about what is happening in US cities now.
“It is difficult at the moment for us to show our solidarity in the traditional ways of protest as we juggle with social distancing but I would urge anyone, regardless of their race, who is upset by these events to make their voices strongly heard nonetheless in a peaceful constructive way by signing petitions, donating to charities and showing justice and kindness in all our communities.”
ENDS