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:
7. Black Lives Matter demonstration
Phone footage showed the 46-year-old gasping that he could not breathe during the arrest by four officers Photo: James Hardisty
8. Black Lives Matter demonstration
They have since been charged over the death, which has sparked weeks of protests across the world Photo: James Hardisty
9. Black Lives Matter demonstration
Black Lives Matter Leeds organised today's protest - calling for an end to 'systemic racism' in Leeds and in the UK Photo: James Hardisty
10. Black Lives Matter demonstration
A placard with the names of black people in the UK who have died in police custody Photo: James Hardisty
11. Black Lives Matter Leeds
Protesters were asked to wear masks and bring sanitiser and a doctor took to the stage to remind people of the importance of social distancing Photo: James Hardisty
12. Black Lives Matter demonstration
The crowd listened to a line-up of speakers, poets and watched performances during the demonstration, which finished shortly after 5pm Photo: James Hardisty