The leader of Lichfield District Council says “there is no place in society for racism” after a Black Lives Matter protest in the city.
Hundreds took to the streets of Lichfield yesterday (8th June) as part of a series of global demonstrations.
Protesters held banners and signs along the Birmingham Road.
Cllr Pullen said he was pleased the event had been a peaceful one.
“Like us, many of our residents will have been appalled at the killing of George Floyd in the United States.
“There is no place in our society for racism and no one should face discrimination because of the colour of their skin.
“We fully support the right to peaceful protest and I was glad to see that right being exercised yesterday – particularly as social distancing was clearly observed throughout the demonstration that took place.”
Cllr Pullen has previously spoken on social media about his own family’s experiences of racism.
“Fourteen years ago, I got married and immediately gained two step-children who are black/mixed race.
“Since then, I’ve gone on to have three more children who are white.
“I don’t pretend to know what it’s like growing up black in the UK, but what I’ve seen is security guards following my eldest daughter far more than my biological daughter.
“I’ve also seen both of my step-children being marked out as troublemakers at school.
“My son is now at university, married with a child on the way, and my daughter is currently deciding at which university she will read law – they are great kids who faced barriers that my white children will simply not face.
“We live in one of the least racist countries on earth and yet some prejudices and biases remain.
“If that applies to you, it’s not too late to grow as a person and make that change.”
Cllr Doug Pullen, Lichfield District Council
