A series of Black Lives Matter protests and vigils are set to take place in Alice Springs this Saturday, with organisers saying the events will be held in solidarity with protesters in the United States following the death of George Floyd.

A peaceful vigil will highlight comparisons between Mr Floyd, who was killed at the hands of US police on May 25, and police brutality in Australia and Aboriginal deaths in custody.

It will coincide with planned rallies on Saturday around Australia and be held at the Mpartnwe’s Court Lawns at 2pm.

“This event is about truth telling and acknowledging institutional racism and wrongs that have historically occurred and continue today,” the event’s Facebook page said.  

“We must speak the truth openly for healing, awareness, education and solidarity to occur in all of our society.”

Another Black Lives Matter protest will take place at the entrance to the Yeperenye Shopping Centre on Saturday at 12pm.

“This protest is in solidarity with protesters in America fighting for justice for George Floyd, an African American recently killed by police,” organisers of the protest said in a Facebook post.

“This protest is also to shed light on police brutality in Australia and Aboriginal deaths in custody.

“Bring yourself, your friends, your mob, banners and a fighting spirit.”

The protest comes following comments made by NT Senator Malarndirri McCarthy that there were similarities between the US and Australia when it came to black people’s deaths at the hands of police.

“The death of George Floyd is felt here by First Nations people,” she said.

“We only have to look at deaths in custody on Palm Island in Queensland and Kumanjayi Walker in Yuendumu in the NT last year to know that these feelings are very real and very raw.”

Mr Walker, 19, was shot to death by a police officer in the remote community last year.

The officer, Constable Zachary Rolfe, was charged with murder and intends to plead not guilty, with the case adjourned until June 25.

However Northern Territory Police Association president Paul McCue said Senator McCarthy’s comments would only further inflame tensions. 

“We’ve seen some irresponsible commentary in my view,” he said.

“We know when we talk to the community there is nothing but trust and respect for the police that go out there and protect us every day.”  

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