Wiltshire remembers George Floyd one year after his death
His killing sparked worldwide anti-racism protests
Last updated 25th May 2021
People across our region are remembering George Floyd today, exactly one year after he was murdered.
The American lost his life whilst under police custody in Minneapolis. A white police officer had knelt on Mr Floyd's neck for more than nine minutes.
Videos taken by witnesses capture the victim begging for his life, saying "I can't breathe" before losing consciousness.
The incident sparked anti-racism protests across the globe. One demonstration in Bristol led to a statue of slave trader Edward Colston being torn down and thrown into a local harbour.
Derek Chauvin, the officer who knelt on Mr Floyd, has since been found guilty of second degree murder - meaning the killing was deemed not to be premeditated.
The former policeman, 45, was also found guilty of third degree murder and manslaughter. He is due to be sentenced on 25 June.
'We need to ensure every child from a young age is exposed to it’
During the Black History Month that followed Mr Floyd's killing, we spoke to Sam Pearce-Kearney.
He promotes diversity through several roles, holding positions as a Calne Town Councillor and Deputy Chair of Wiltshire Police's 'Diversity Independent Advisory Group'.
The influencer is also part of the West Wiltshire Multi-Faith Forum, which describes itself as promoting respect between local communities "whatever their background, culture or belief".
Members of the charity also visit local schools. Mr Pearce-Kearney told our reporter Matt Hutchinson that education is key to Wiltshire becoming more inclusive: