Watford Town Hall turned purple last night to show their support for the Black Lives Matter movement.

The town hall joined many other public buildings in England as it was lit up in purple to show the council stands against discrimination, racism, and injustice.

Mayor of Watford Peter Taylor was joined by Watford Borough Council chairman Cllr Aga Dychton at the building on Friday night.

Mr Taylor said: “I’m pleased we were able to join councils across the country in lighting our Town Hall purple tonight.

“It is important that we stand up and challenge every form of discrimination, racism and injustice. I'm proud to be Mayor of a diverse town, where people from many different backgrounds care for one another and share in each other’s successes and struggles.

“We are still seeing many Coronavirus infections and deaths in this country. It is so important that all of us stay as safe as possible by following the NHS advice to maintain social distancing and wash our hands frequently to stop the spread of this awful virus.”

Watford Observer:

The Town Hall was purple last night Photo: Eric Johnson Photography

Watford Observer: Cllr Favour Ezeifedi, Deputy Leader of Watford Labour Group and her daughter outside the Town Hall supporting Black Lives MatterCllr Favour Ezeifedi, Deputy Leader of Watford Labour Group and her daughter outside the Town Hall supporting Black Lives Matter

Earlier this week many other buildings across England were lit purple.

Watford Observer:

Islington Council of Islington Assembly Hall in London (Photo: Islington Council/PA Wire)

Peaceful protests will be held today (June 6) in Watford town centre to show solidarity for the movement against racial injustice and police brutality.

A walk will take place starting from McDonald’s in High Street, Watford at 1pm, to Cassiobury Park, where people will be able to show their support and speak on the global racial issues.

A separate peaceful demonstration will take place outside Five Guys at 2pm.

Read more: Black Lives Matter protests to take place in Watford this weekend

The movement is against racial injustice and police brutality. Protests have taken place across the US and around the world after a black man, George Floyd, died in police custody in the US city of Minneapolis.

Four police officers have been charged over his killing, which took place after one officer pressed his knee to his neck for almost nine minutes.

But the protests are also fighting against hundreds of years of injustice, police brutality and microagressions.

This includes support for Belly Mujinga, who died with Covid-19 soon after she was spat at by a man claiming to have coronavirus.

The British Transport Police concluded that her death was not linked to the incident, but the case is now being reviewed after millions signed a petition against the conclusion.

Hertfordshire Constabulary will be at the scene.

A spokesperson for Hertfordshire Constabulary said: "We are aware of a peaceful protest potentially taking place in Watford town centre on Saturday and have been working to identify and engage positively with its organisers.

"Of course, we recognise the right to lawful protest and will be working to facilitate that while also ensuring the safety of everyone concerned.

"In light of the continuing risks around Covid-19, we would ask anyone attending to follow the current government guidelines to ensure their safety and that of others."