Axminster hosts second event in support of Black Lives Matter movement

Axminster residents held their second peaceful event to show support of the Black Lives Matter movement on Saturday.

The event was held on the Minster Green, with those taking part showing placards and banners in support of the anti-racism movement.

Becky Smith, one of the event organisers said: "We wanted to organise another event to show our continued support towards the black lives matter movement.

"We have many avenues we wish to explore to raise awareness of racial discrimination to the public, including 'Town Tidy Ups' and a public question and answer session; this will allow our community understand the message we are trying to portray - 'Axminster - United against Racism'."

Fellow event organiser Rob Robinson added: "It was great to see many new faces come along in support of our event, our Facebook group 'Axminster BLM – United Against Racism' has now grown to 200-plus. Together we will continue to make opportunities to educate the wider community."

Organisers added that they were disappointed with some negative feedback from the public following news reports of their first event in July, adding: "This makes it clear to us there is much more work to do within our community, to allow learning, to continue raising awareness of racial in just and challenging racism."

Imogen Killner, who also helped to organise the event, added: "We are looking to create a leaflet that includes factual information regarding 'Racial Inequality', as well as 'Myth Busters' section.

"Unfortunately, the media often report misinformation regarding the Black Lives Matter movement, we must advise the public of this and feed in correct information."

Becky, Rob and Imogen want to thank everyone that attended the event and sent messages of support, and to everyone for sticking to the current COVID-19 guidelines.