BLACK Lives Matter (BLM) Warrington says the town must use its voice to deliver change as it issued a passionate message ahead of a peaceful protest today, Saturday.

Road closures will be in place around the town centre amid demonstrations centred around the BLM movement as people march through the area.

READ MORE >> Town centre road closures due to protest

The BLM protest, the second in Warrington, will begin at the Town Hall at 2pm but organisers say social distancing will be observed.

Around 100 residents attended the first peaceful demonstration at the Town Hall earlier this month.

Meanwhile, the Protect Warrington Cenotaph group is planning to gather by the war memorial on Bridge Foot at the same time.

In a statement, BLM Warrington says it is made up of a diverse group with a shared goal of equality.

And it highlighted its aim to create a ‘safe space’ for a positive discussion about race.

“Our aim as a group is to share educational resources on topics such as black history, white privilege, systemic and institutional racism as well as create events to raise awareness of the movement,” it added.

“The stories of George Floyd and Breonna Taylor were really what catapulted the solidarity across the world this past month.

Warrington Guardian:

Black Lives Matter messages were placed on the Golden Gates earlier this month

“We did what we could to help but petitions and donations weren’t enough – our members wanted to do more, so we came together to help educate, support, and raise awareness of the injustice, not just in America but here in the UK, and specifically Warrington, and allow our voices to be heard. 

“We also recognise that our community here, as a town, has a voice when it comes to making a change and we must use it.

“BLM Warrington have been working alongside the police, the council and other organisations in Warrington to meet our shared goal.

“Having the support of our community has been a very amazing feeling because we know we do not stand alone. 

“On June 20, 2020, at 2pm, we will be hosting our second peaceful protest against the recent police brutality in the US at the Town Hall.

“Social distancing measures will be in place and we will be safely marching through town to show solidarity to our brothers and sisters that have been affected.

“Warrington Police will also be present at the protest in support of our cause. 

“We take pride in engaging with the community and letting everyone feel like they’re being heard.

“To do this, we have opened our inboxes for suggestions on topics of change the public would like to see. Allowed for our platforms to be a space for artists, singers and creatives who want to be a part of our demonstrations and even called out for black businesses to have a space for advertising on our social media sites.

“We are doing our part in making our Warrington a better place.”