BLM - Black Lives Matter: reports from Italy
On May 25th 2020, George Perry Floyd was killed in the city of Minneapolis in Minnesota by the hand of a police officer. The arrest footage was widely diffused through international media, leading to the emergence of several protests against the abuse of power and racism.
In Italy this event has largely influenced public opinion, especially in the younger population. Having a past of fascist domination, racism and discrimination against foreigners still occur in Italy, also due to the phenomenon of migrants’ landings on the Italian coasts.
The news immediately spread in the country through social networks and so various events were organized in the largest Italian cities. The voice of the young Italians, who strongly opposed to these events, spoke itself, promoting peace, equality and integration.
Italian youth aims at a more conscious future, dreaming of a country where any person, regardless of religion, sexual orientation and skin color, can have the same rights.
On June 9th, in the Brescia’s city center, a protest was held to remember the events that took place in the USA and to underline problems that still afflict our society today. Several participants, especially young students, expressed their opinion in front of Piazza Vittoria. Among these people, a member of “Mediterranea” intervened.
“Mediterranea” is an association that operates in the Mediterranean, observing, documenting and informing the public of what happens in those waters. She highlighted how still many migrants lose their lives in our seas, under the indifference of a large portion of the Italian population.
Despite the difficulties due to the coronavirus pandemic, which deeply affected the whole national territory, the protest took place in a peaceful way, trying to respect as much as possible the rules imposed by the government.
Although the tragic events that led to the protest, it has been an opportunity to demonstrate that perhaps it is possible to build a better world for everyone.
About the author:
Luca Bortolami was born in 1998. He lives and works in Italy as photographer. His works ranges from commercial photography to reportage. Currently graduating in photography at the Academy of Fine Arts in Brescia.
Last night in Ferguson by Getty images
A gallery from Ferguson, United States after the shooting of the other day, where a black kid was shot by the police.
FERGUSON, MO - AUGUST 18: Frederick Scott protests the killing of teenager Michael Brown on August 18, 2014 in Ferguson, Missouri. Brown was shot and killed by a Ferguson police officer on August 9. Despite the Brown family's continued call for peaceful demonstrations, violent protests have erupted nearly every night in Ferguson since his death. (Photo by Scott Olson/Getty Images)
FERGUSON, MO - AUGUST 18: A man tries to protect himself from the effects of tear gas after police shot the gas at demonstrators protesting the killing of teenager Michael Brown on August 18, 2014 in Ferguson, Missouri. Brown was shot and killed by a Ferguson police officer on August 9. Despite the Brown family's continued call for peaceful demonstrations, violent protests have erupted nearly every night in Ferguson since his death. (Photo by Scott Olson/Getty Images)
FERGUSON, MO - AUGUST 18: A demonstrator protects himself from tear gas during a protest over the killing of teenager Michael Brown on August 18, 2014 in Ferguson, Missouri. Brown was shot and killed by a Ferguson police officer on August 9. Despite the Brown family's continued call for peaceful demonstrations, violent protests have erupted nearly every night in Ferguson since his death. (Photo by Scott Olson/Getty Images)
FERGUSON, MO - AUGUST 18: Police lob tear gas at people walking near a protest over the killing of teenager Michael Brown on August 18, 2014 in Ferguson, Missouri. Police shot smoke and tear gas to disperse the protestors with as they became unruly. Brown was shot and killed by a Ferguson police officer on August 9. Despite the Brown family's continued call for peaceful demonstrations, violent protests have erupted nearly every night in Ferguson since his death. (Photo by Scott Olson/Getty Images)
FERGUSON, MO - AUGUST 18: Police attempt to control demonstrators protesting the killing of teenager Michael Brown on August 18, 2014 in Ferguson, Missouri. Police shot smoke and tear gas to disperse the protestors with as they became unruly. Brown was shot and killed by a Ferguson police officer on August 9. Despite the Brown family's continued call for peaceful demonstrations, violent protests have erupted nearly every night in Ferguson since his death. (Photo by Scott Olson/Getty Images)
FERGUSON, MO - AUGUST 18: Demonstrators cover their faces as tear gas fills the air as police fire the gas against an unruly crowd protesting the shooting death of Michael Brown on August 18, 2014 in Ferguson, Missouri. Police sprayed pepper spray, shot smoke, gas and flash grenades as violent outbreaks have taken place in Ferguson since the shooting death of Michael Brown by a Ferguson police officer on August 9th. (Photo by Joe Raedle/Getty Images)
FERGUSON, MO - AUGUST 18: Police officers arrest a demonstrator on August 18, 2014 in Ferguson, Missouri. Violent outbreaks have taken place in Ferguson since the shooting death of unarmed teenager Michael Brown by a Ferguson police officer on August 9th. (Photo by Joe Raedle/Getty Images)
FERGUSON, MO - AUGUST 18: Demonstrators protesting the shooting death of Michael Brown make their voices heard on August 18, 2014 in Ferguson, Missouri. Protesters have been vocal asking for justice in the shooting death of Michael Brown by a Ferguson police officer on August 9th. (Photo by Joe Raedle/Getty Images)
FERGUSON, MO - AUGUST 18: Police officers work to keep order as demonstrators express their feelings on August 18, 2014 in Ferguson, Missouri. Violent outbreaks have taken place in Ferguson since the shooting death of unarmed teenager Michael Brown by a Ferguson police officer on August 9th. (Photo by Joe Raedle/Getty Images)
FERGUSON, MO - AUGUST 18: Police attempt to control demonstrators protesting the killing of teenager Michael Brown on August 18, 2014 in Ferguson, Missouri. Police shot smoke and tear gas to disperse the protestors with as they became unruly. Brown was shot and killed by a Ferguson police officer on August 9. Despite the Brown family's continued call for peaceful demonstrations, violent protests have erupted nearly every night in Ferguson since his death. (Photo by Scott Olson/Getty Images)
A demonstrator holds a placard during a protest on West Florissant Avenue in Ferguson, Missouri on August 18, 2014. Police fired tear gas in another night of unrest in a Missouri town where a white police officer shot and killed an unarmed black teenager, just hours after President Barack Obama called for calm. AFP PHOTO / Michael B. Thomas (Photo credit should read Michael B. Thomas/AFP/Getty Images)
No racism Demonstration in Berlin
Reporting from Berlin - 4/11/2012
Photos: Giacomo Cosua
The theme for this demonstration was: "Das Problem heißt Rassismus" (The problem is racism")
Today was the day to remember the murders committed by the NSU (National Socialist Underground), that is a far-right German terror group which was uncovered in November 2011.