Catalogue Number
NMLH.2020.44.2
Object Name
Placard
Title
Silence is Compliance
Place
Manchester
People
Black Lives Matter movement; George Floyd
Events
Black Lives Matter Protests; Covid-19 Pandemic
Description
Cardboard placard, used in a demonstration in central Manchester in 2020, following the death of George Floyd in police custody in America.
George Floyd was killed by a police officer who knelt on his neck for 8 minutes and 46 seconds whilst he was handcuffed. He was being arrested for reportedly using a counterfeit bill. Floyd was recorded being detained by the officer, and was heard to say "I can't breathe". Following the release of the video online, protests occurred across the globe against police brutality and racism, both in America and other countries. One such protest occurred in Manchester on the last weekend in May, 2020, during the Covid-19 pandemic. People were protesting in solidarity with Americans, but also against racism and police brutality in the UK.
This placard, which reads "Silence is Compliance" was used in the protest, and references the idea that those not actively speaking out against racism are complicit in its continuation.
