New Pillar – Black Lives Matter

A new inscription was unveiled at the Milton Keynes Rose in Campbell Park on Wednesday 25 May 2022.

25 May was the second anniversary of the murder of George Floyd in Minneapolis, an event which was instrumental in the development and spread of the Black Lives Matter movement. Following a public consultation exercise in 2021, a new pillar inscription at the Rose will mark 25 May and Black Lives Matter.

The wording on the inscription refers to George Floyd's death and states 'No person should put their knee, chain or noose on another's neck because of their colour'.

The pillar will be unveiled at a ceremony starting at 5 p.m. and open to the public.

Revd Edson Dube, who led the campaign to have the inscription on behalf of the MK Council of Faiths said: '25 May is a date which globally will forever be commemorated and remembered for the crime that was committed against Mr. Floyd in Minneapolis. This date is one of deep importance to both the city and the people of Milton Keynes as the date stands as a consistent reminder of the need to eradicate hate, racism and prejudice from our community and the world.'

Debbie Brock, Chair of the Milton Keynes Rose Trust said: 'The Trust is grateful for the considered and helpful nomination it received in favour of the Black Lives Matter pillar and welcomes the day being commemorated for many years into the future to remind us of the horrific murder of George Floyd.'