A GROUP of people from across the Tavistock community are calling for a positive conversation about the issues raised by the Black Lives Matter movement and what it means locally, three months on from the death of George Floyd in the US.

A 12m by 8m Black Lives Matter banner was displayed silently on Cox Tor, Dartmoor as a solitary symbol of support for the movement.

The banner is ‘on loan’ from another rural community in Dorset where it was hand stitched by local people who discussed issues of race and privilege as they sewed and learned from one another about these issues as they impact people locally and globally.

Local residents helped carry the banner, which they hope will signal a fresh opportunity for families, community groups, businesses and schools to have ‘a meaningful, positive conversation about anti-racism and diversity’, what it means for the area, why it is as relevant in Devon as it is the US and what more we can do together.

The Duchy gave permission for the banner to be displayed temporarily and the unfurling was not widely publicised in advance, for risk of a gathering, potentially endangering the safety of the community during this time of social distancing.

Dan Harris lives in Tavistock with his wife and young daughter and helped carry the banner for an hour in the heat.  He said: ‘This is a good thing. It’s important that we have the conversation, because, as far as I know, it’s not something we talk about in our town.’

Lena (not her real name) who brought her children and helped with the banner said: ‘In a town like Tavistock we are aware of being “different”. If it impacts us, then it must be impacting others, too. Let’s talk about why that is. Let’s improve things for our kids.’

The Black Lives Matter movement evolved in reaction to the death of George Floyd in the US on May 25 2020.

George Floyd, 46, died after being arrested by police outside a shop in Minneapolis, Minnesota.

Footage of the arrest on showed a white police officer, Derek Chauvin, kneeling on Mr Floyd’s neck while he was pinned to the floor.

Mr Chauvin, 44, has since been charged with murder.

Mr Floyd’s death sparked anti rascist protests across the globe and calls for the removal of statues honouring slave traders include Sir Francis Drake in Tavistock.

Three months on conversations are taking place across the UK and English rural communities are no exception.

Ursula Mann, Independent councillor for Tavistock Town Council, North Ward said: ‘This is about people’s lives. There are members of our community right here in Tavistock who have been affected. Let’s listen, let’s learn, let’s have the conversation.”’

As the new school term approaches, parents involved hope that this will prompt discussions about how shared history is taught.

One parent Lauren said: ‘Our schools are getting better at teaching diversity but there’s loads more we can do to make sure the next generation is heard.’

Sarah from Lamerton said: ‘I don’t know what it feels like to walk down Tavistock High Street and feel different from other people because of my skin colour. I have never been insulted because of it, been fearful, or felt at a disadvantage because of my race. That is my privilege.

‘There are those who have had a different lived experience and have been brave and kind to share their stories.

‘All lives matter, of course they do. The current Black Lives Matter movement is about addressing a historical imbalance and directly challenging any form of discrimination against black people.

Is this relevant here in Tavistock? We are seeing conversations across the UK, in rural communities too, from people of all backgrounds and ages.

‘This is a real and positive opportunity for us to learn what we can do better. To become a more inclusive town. It can start by listening to people’s stories, actively supporting, and starting a conversation.

‘Will a banner make a difference? It’s a start, it’s a symbol, and it’s better than silence.

‘Black Lives Matter is an opportunity for the good people of this area to not only care, but show that we care.

‘If you would like to support, or have an idea, please email [email protected]’

Members of the Tavistock community will continue the conversation around Black Lives Matter over the next few months, with hopes of uncovering more information about influential black figures who have played a huge role in our past but are now largely forgotten.