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Hamilton joins Black Lives Matter protest in London

Published on 21 Jun 2020 18:07
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By: Fergal Walsh

Lewis Hamilton has taken to the streets of London to take part in a Black Lives Matter protest, continuing his support for the movement.

Over the last couple of weeks, the six-time world champion has been active on social media, calling for an end to racism and for black people to be treated equally.

Protests have sparked up around the world, with many speaking out against police brutality following the death of George Floyd last month.

It was recently announced that Hamilton had established 'The Hamilton Commission', which focuses on employing black people that have a background in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) subjects.

Ahead of his return to F1 in Austria in less than two weeks, Hamilton has joined protesters in London on Sunday, posting an image and a video of himself taking part on his Instagram story.

Hamilton also posted a new message on his story, encouraging people to be actively anti-racist and inspire others to speak out, insisting it is not enough to simply “not be racist”.

“Your silence is still deafening. You may not be racist in your silence but we need you to be ANTI-racist.

“That means we need you to educate yourself and others. Speak out to help us bring awareness to the injustices and prejudices that black people and people of colour face on a daily basis and have been facing for hundreds of years.

“We cannot be silent today! We need your voice. We need you to get out of your comfort zone and support us by being anti-racist and letting people know where you stand in this fight. Encourage your family, friends and colleagues so we can continue to make change!”

Went down to Hyde Park today for the peaceful protest and I was so proud to see in person so many people of all races and backgrounds supporting this movement. It was really moving. I’m feeling extremely positive that change will come, but we cannot stop now. #blacklivesmatter ✊? pic.twitter.com/koOTEPOXAh
— Lewis Hamilton (@LewisHamilton) June 21, 2020

ajpennypacker

Posts: 2,475

Nothing like having professional photography done at a protest. Not that Lewis is the first to do that, plenty of youtubers and so-called influences have use the protests in America as a platform to showcase themselves.

I do have to give it to Lewis, because after over a decade of talking, he ac... [Read more]

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Jun 22 2020 - 17:01

F1 News Lewis Hamilton Mercedes

Replies (4)

ajpennypacker

Posts: 2,475
Nothing like having professional photography done at a protest. Not that Lewis is the first to do that, plenty of youtubers and so-called influences have use the protests in America as a platform to showcase themselves.

I do have to give it to Lewis, because after over a decade of talking, he actually has done something by creating the Hamilton Commission. I hope the commission is as active in seeking out talented young black people as Lewis' social media feed
- + 1
- Jun 22 2020 - 17:01
- 2GRX7
  
  Posts: 108
  You realize these protest are worldwide, right? Sparked in the U.S., echoed in Europe and Asia.
  + 0
  
  Jun 22 2020 - 19:38
- ajpennypacker
  
  Posts: 2,475
  I think that's hard to miss. Obviously Lewis was in London for this protest.
  + 0
  
  Jun 22 2020 - 20:30
- Ram Samartha
  
  Posts: 1,172
  I'm also glad to see him in the streets even if it is professionally photographed. His armchair preaching was falling way short. Many young people look up to and maybe with this new commission some young drivers of under-represented minorities may get a chance for a seat in F1. I think F1 is basically a meritocracy for the most part, but you have to be able to spend big bucks to show your merit. Regardless of ethnicity or money in the bank, it should be the best drivers in the cars. Now maybe some who come from more underprivileged backgrounds can get a chance to show their merit. There is only one black driver in Nascar and today I saw on the news that someone left a noose in his garage. Unfortunately racism is so systemic and ingrained in the US and many other countries, that by the time whatever improvements the commission can make to motorsport in this regard, F1 will be a very different animal and may not even exist except in the capacity of something like Goodwood FOS or an antique car parade..
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  Jun 22 2020 - 21:14