In New York City on 19 June 2020, Zimbabweans in the United States diaspora went on the street to demonstrate.

To demonstrate solidarity with their African American counterparts, as well as with the Zimbabwean people back in their home country who still, to this day, suffer many brutalities at the hands of the police.

They organized. They marched. They rallied in solidarity.

The Zimbabweans in the diaspora wanted to amplify their voices among the Black Lives Matter protesters against a backdrop of the largest city in America and the world during the Juneteenth festivities to highlight police brutalities and violence by the terroristic regime of their country against its own citizens in Zimbabwe.

They said this was an opportunity for them to highlight their plight as Zimbabweans as the whole world reacts to the injustices perpetrated against citizens by government security institutions.

They said that the struggle against oppression is universal and that they marched together with all who fight against injustice, oppression, trauma, and persecution that the opposition leaders in Zimbabwe are experiencing at the hands of the criminal justice system.

Notably, there has been a spike in harassment, intimidation, arrests, detentions, torture, and human rights abuses in the country waged largely against the opposition and activists.

This protest held in New York, was their wish to amplify their diaspora voices. They marched resolutely flying Zimbabwean flags, carrying protest posters, and wearing t-shirts.

Further, on 26 June the United States issued a statement on the International Day in Support of Victims of Torture and said, “the Government of Zimbabwe employs state-sponsored violence to repress its population.

This includes reported abductions and torture to repress civil society, including labor leaders and opposition figures. We are particularly alarmed by the recent abduction, abuse, and sexual assault of three female opposition leaders – Joanna Mamombe, Cecilia Chimbiri and Netsai Marova – while participating in a peaceful demonstration.”

They have since been granted bail with strict bail conditions.

Protests have long been viewed as a fundamental for human rights and democratic societies. And, one way for people who feel marginalized and wish to bring about change from the status quo is through street demonstrations.

Additionally, protests do have the ability to increase the debate on the issues at hand. In this regard, one can see how marching in a protest is key for people in the diaspora who, in the case of Zimbabwe, are denied the ability to vote. Without a vote, one cannot claim they have a representational government.

To them, Black Lives Matter, no matter where and who perpetrates them.

Juneteenth is a holiday celebrated on 19 June every year to commemorate the emancipation of enslaved people in the United States.