The organisers of the Black Lives Matter march on Union Street have hailed the event as an “overwhelming success” after about 1,000 people attended the peaceful protest.
There were no incidents reported to police at Saturday’s event, though the march was cut short because of the presence of a group who had gathered to oppose the movement.
Its number were said to include a former senior member of the UK National Front and they stood in front of the War Memorial and statue outside Robert Gordon University.
Organiser Olaoluwa Akisanya said those who had congregated to dispute the protest may have prematurely ended the procession but had in no way “cut the message short”.
As people met on the city’s main street, organisers spoke to the crowd, handed out PPE and advised on social distancing before starting the event.
A minute’s silence was then held in solidarity with anyone who has faced racial injustice and for George Floyd.
The protest then heard from speakers from Aberdeen, Gideon Gamba and Marzan Ahmed.
Scottish rapper Ransom FA also spoke to people at the protest and The Voice Kids UK singer, Aiysha Russell, performed a song before the march began.
Mr Akisanya said: “It was an overwhelming success, considering the timing and the time constraints. The turnout far exceeded our expectations.
“As far as peaceful protests go, it was perfect. It was powerful and there were no incidents.
“We followed in procession from Union Street to George Square and we ended there.
“We had to cut the march short due to anti-protesters but our message wasn’t cut short.
“The whole point was to make sure their presence was not felt.”
Although organisers are aware police are currently advising against large gatherings, they have praised the efforts of the officers in attendance at the event and said they were an “amazing help”.
As protesters walked up Union Street, the vast majority could be seen wearing face coverings.
Chants such as “black lives matter” and “no justice, no peace” were shouted out during the march as many of those participating sported handmade signs and cheered the chants.
Mr Akisanya added: “There were a real range of ages and people from all different backgrounds in attendance.
“It was amazing to see that it is just not one type of person who cares about this.”
He said of the safety aspects of holding events at this time: “All we can do is advise on social distancing and we advised the best we could.
“We made sure everyone had access to PPE, masks, gloves and hand sanitiser.
“Safety was one thing that we stressed and I’m glad people took that on board.”
Mr Akisanya called for “continuous action” to tackle racism ahead of Saturday’s event and after Saturday’s march intends to keep the momentum going.
As president of the African and Caribbean Society at Aberdeen University, the 23-year-old will be working with the The Black and Minority Ethnic Students’ Forum to find ways to individually educate people in the future.
They will also be working towards trying to change the curriculum to ensure people are educated about the role of the British Empire.
