It was the second Black Lives Matter protest in Leeds, following a joint protest with Black Voices Matter at Millennium Square last weekend. Social distancing measures were in place at Hyde Park today, with more than 100 volunteers handing out masks, hand sanitiser and directing protesters to marked-out areas of the park. Crowds listened to speakers, poets and took a 'mass knee' in remembrance of George Floyd. Here are 21 powerful pictures from the demonstration, taken by YEP photographer James Hardisty:
1. Black Lives Matter demonstration
Thousands of protesters joined a Black Lives Matter demonstration in Leeds today Photo: James Hardisty
2. Black Lives Matter demonstration
More than 100 volunteers were overseeing the demonstration, handing out masks and hand sanitiser Photo: James Hardisty
3. Black Lives Matter demonstration
There was a staggered entry system and protesters were directed to marked-out areas Photo: James Hardisty
4. Black Lives Matter demonstration
Marvina Newton, one of the Black Lives Matter Leeds founders, addressing the crowd. She was followed by a line-up of speakers and poets Photo: James Hardisty
5. Black Lives Matter Leeds
Protesters with placards at the demonstration Photo: James Hardisty
6. Black Lives Matter demonstration
Protests began in the US after a video emerged of a black man, George Floyd, being arrested on May 25 in Minneapolis, USA Photo: James Hardisty