The brutal murder of George Floyd became a symbol that inspired millions in the USA and across the world to take to the streets in protest. Chants such as “I cant breathe”, “Black Lives Matter”, “No Justice No Peace”, and “Defund the Police” resounded on the streets, in the media and on social media platforms. The movement set off public debates on police reform and racial justice globally. Here in Aotearoa New Zealand, thousands took part in solidarity gatherings, protests and vigils. Two months on, protests and debates are ongoing in many parts of the world. What is at the root of this global movement? How can we begin to understand this movement and the shape it has taken in the USA and around the world? It is these questions that I will try to address in my talk.

Josephine Varghese is a researcher and activist interested in economic justice, postcolonial thought and feminism. She has written columns on various social issues in New Zealand media including Newshub, The Spinoff and Democracy Project. She has successfully defended her PhD (now completing final amendments and awaiting graduation) in the Department of Sociology and Anthropology, University of Canterbury. She currently works as a guest lecturer and tutor at the Department of Human Services and Social Work, University of Canterbury.

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