"Ireland stood in solidarity to show that black lives matter"

The Black Lives Matter solidarity protest march that took place in Dublin on Monday has generated a lot of attention in recent days.

While some have argued that protesters disregarded any social distancing measures put in place by the government, thousands of people  nevertheless showed up to stand in solidarity with the BLM movement.

One of the organisers of the march, Irish rapper JYellowL, has released a statement on the demonstration, saying that he thought '100 people would would’ve been ambitious but we’ve shown that we’re connected through joy in the good times and through pain in the difficult times".

He also said that he would be self-isolating for two weeks following the march, and encouraged everyone who was in attendance to do the same.

Read the full statement below:

“Ireland stood in solidarity to show that black lives matter. Thank you to all the absolute royalty that made it possible. From the people who marched with us to the Gardai who cooperatively worked with us to facilitate a peaceful demonstration of solidarity. We were all overwhelmed by the turnout.
 
I thought 100 people in attendance would’ve been ambitious but we’ve shown that we’re connected through joy in the good times and through pain in the difficult times. Both times love is manifested through the power of unity. Our love and support is extended to our brothers and sisters in the US and across the world who need it.
 
Our togetherness in diversity is something to be celebrated and we’ve shown that we’re committed to not only being: Not a racist country but an ANTI - RACIST country. This was a proud day for us.
 
The step we need to take now is one of education, not one-sided but all-sided. Let’s keep the discussion open and spread understanding. Encourage uncomfortable dialogue without alienation so we can maintain and spread this unity.
 
I’ll be self-isolating for the next two weeks and I urge everyone who was present to do the same and for anyone looking to engage with other organised protests to do the same but also to take precautionary action.
 
Let’s push on from here, we are in the process of change and growth”
 
- JYellowL

 

Image credit: Lorin Gannon