By KLTV Newsdesk
Kirklees Council has announced that this Friday evening (June 5), town halls across the district will light up purple in solidarity with the Black Lives Matter movement.
Castle Hill in Huddersfield will also shine purple in a show of international support.
The council says they made the decision to show its sympathy to the family of George Floyd and in support of Black Lives Matter.
Protests erupted across all 50 states in the US and in many countries around the world last week, after the murder of George Floyd by Police Officer Derek Chauvin in Minneapolis, Minnesota.
Individuals, companies and organisations from all over the globe have voiced their support for the Black Lives Matter Movement.
Councillor Shabir Pandor, Leader of Kirklees Council, said: “Racism has no place in Kirklees or anywhere else in the world.
“Our biggest strength in Kirklees is our diversity and that is something I’m truly proud to be part of.
“I’m deeply disturbed by the death of George Floyd. This has rightly shocked and outraged the world and we at Kirklees Council stand with those who are peacefully protesting.
“We wanted to display this in some way and that is why we will be lighting our town halls purple.
“Our action on Friday is an important symbol of solidarity but we know it needs to be supported by long term action.
“The change will only be long-lasting if we can build an economy that is inclusive, where children can achieve their potential and where our recovery from the pandemic tackles inequality head-on.”