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Maltese People In America Share What Life Is Like As George Floyd Protests Sweep Nation

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George Floyd’s murder at the hands of a police officer has sparked a series of protests and riots across the nation.

Amidst it all, Maltese who immigrated to the United States have spoken up about what their experience has been like and how they are showing solidarity with their fellow Americans.

“I’m not joining the protests but I would peacefully protest if it wasn’t for COVID, or if I could do it while safely social distancing,” said Leah Gatt, who lives in Brooklyn, NY.

“There are no protests in my immediate neighbourhood but there are in other parts of Brooklyn and Manhattan.”

Americans are facing a domestic war on two fronts, that of systematic racism and that of the COVID-19 pandemic.

“I think it’s important to remember that New Yorkers have been cooped up in their un-livable shoebox apartments for 11 weeks so people are extremely restless and the struggle has been very real, to say the least,” said Maria Coleiro from Queens.

“I’m not sure the public health risk carries the same importance anymore– I think the general sentiment of anger outweighs the fear of COVID at this point.”

“People know there is a virus spreading but black people have been combating a virus all their lives, only it’s called racism,” said Daryl Mifsud, who studies in Indiana.

The demand for change has spilled into protests, some of which have been violent, and has also gained an international agenda with other countries showing solidarity with protesters in the US.

Black Lives Matter Protests in Germany

Black Lives Matter Protests in Germany

Malta too has its own problem of systematic racism to tackle. Just yesterday, racial slurs were used against two black Maltese during an episode of #CovidCalls. Over a year ago, Lassana Cisse was shot in cold blood by two Armed Forces of Malta soldiers and they are currently awaiting trial.

“The killing of George Floyd and so many other black men at the hands of the police is a national tragedy. This is systemic racism at work and it’s not only a US problem, it’s a Malta and a global problem too,” continued Leah.

“No change comes easy, and no change comes without struggle.”

“The protests have been a way to say very clearly to politicians and the world that enough is enough. We can’t lose sight of that message or let criticism of looting by fringe groups drown out its importance. I also want to stress that a number of protests have been peaceful in the city and across the country.”

There was a police officer, more specifically a Sheriff in Flint, that put down his baton and declared that this should be a parade, not a protest,” said Monica Attard.

“These examples should also be noted because for the majority, a lot of these protests have been peaceful.”

Getty Images

Getty Images

While Maltese who have immigrated to the States tend to benefit from ‘white privilege’, many are joining speaking up in support of the protests and are also inciting change.

“What I want to happen is for people to wake up and realize that we need to be better as a society, and to help reformat our system,” continued Monica.

“While not the same as what my black brothers and sisters are going through, my nannu and nanna migrated here in the 40s and experienced their own discrimination and hate because they weren’t from the United States. “

“I’ve always pledged that if I can always help somebody I will. I never want anyone to feel like my nannu and nanna did.”

“My hope is that actual change and justice are delivered. One thing for sure is that the Black Lives Matter movement has grown in terms of international coverage and support. They have also opened long overdue crucial dialogues and discussions regarding race, white privilege, white supremacy, oppression, institutionalized racism, and the overall current system in the US, in general,” said Daryl.

“We need to think carefully and seriously about how we can be allies to black and other marginalized communities not only in the US but globally and in Malta. The shooting of Lassana was a racially-motivated murder by soldiers in the AFM,” said Leah.

“The better we understand people’s experiences of racism the more equipped we are to fight against and recognize it. It doesn’t always come in such clear forms as George Floyd and Lassana’s murder.”

The domestic landscape is more complex now than ever. While protests help set an agenda and incite change, they’re also a potentially a breeding ground for the COVID-19 virus to spread.

Image Credit: Sky News

Image Credit: Sky News

“There have been talks of possible curfews being put in place as has been done in other cities. This is the biggest outcry that we have seen in New York for a long time, and it’s in the middle of a pandemic,” continued Leah.

“I hope that we won’t see another big spike in cases that will impact our hospitals and health workers but it’s very possible. This is also an election year, so I hope that this will be a key voting issue.”

COVID-19 cases in the US are on the decline but in its wake, a new virus has re-emerged, one that has been plaguing the nation for hundreds of years and which will continue to do so unless something is done.

What do you make of all of this? Let us know in the comments below

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When JP's not too busy working on polyrhythmic beats, you'll probably find him out and about walking his dog.

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