Black Lives Matter placards go on display in Welsh heritage museum

Black Lives Matter placards have been displayed in St Fagans National Museum of History in Wales, Cardiff.

The museum that celebrates Welsh heritage and culture has placed the collection of placards from the anti-racism protests in its “Wales Is” gallery.

Accompanying the placards are photographs and accounts from activists who marched in the demonstrations that took place across Wales in the summer of 2020.

The wave of protests worldwide were sparked following the killing of George Floyd in May 2020 by Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin.

Floyd died after being unable to breath under the weight of Chauvin's knee that was pressed on his neck for nearly nine minutes. This was despite Floyd repeating “I can’t breathe.”

Sioned Hughes, head of public history and archaeology at Amgueddfa Cymru – National Museum Wales, said the collection represents “the diverse experiences of people living in Wales today and in the past”.

“It is important that we display these placards in the Wales Is gallery to tell the story of the Black Lives Matter movement in Wales and its impact on communities,” she said.

Amgueddfa Cymru is a family of seven museums and a collections centre, which are all free to visit due to Welsh Government support. They are home to the nation’s art, history and science collections.