As protests continue to rock the United States, countless people are taking to the streets to protest the racism embedded in the fabric of this country. The murder of George Floyd in Minneapolis was the catalyst for such activism, but, as the protesters have indicated, this is just one of many, many acts of injustice against Black voices and bodies that have occurred over centuries. These placards, signs, and banners range from snarky and funny to poignant and devastating, but they all have one thing in common: They're strong, sometimes wordless statements against brutality and injustice. If you're looking for sign ideas for your next protest, there are some great ideas here (and here's how to keep yourself safe).
Trigger warning: Some of these signs display words like "murder" and "kill," and others allude to or outright describe violence against BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and people of color). While awareness and advocacy are both important, so is self-care, so be careful if you think these subjects will trigger you in any way.
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Toronto, Canada
A young woman holds up a sign expressing the sacredness of BIPOC lives and bodies.
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New York, NY
A male protester holds a flower and wonders, "Am I next?"
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New York, NY
An important point, noted here and on a number of signs: Protesting is important. So is voting to continue working for change, at both the local and national levels.
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Madrid, Spain
A bit profane, if you happen to be protesting with your kids, but one I enjoyed very much. Honestly, though.
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Edinburgh, Scotland
Goodest boy ever? Goodest boy ever. (Also worth pointing out the nice counterpoint to "All Lives Matter" on the left.)
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New York, NY
A young woman implores for equality for her future kids.
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Washington, D.C.
An excerpt from a classic James Baldwin quote: "To be a Negro in this country and to be relatively conscious is to be in a rage almost all the time."
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Amsterdam, The Netherlands
A Black woman holds a sign asking for respect of Black people—in the same way that Black culture is accepted (and even glorifeid) by society.
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New York, NY
A woman holds a sign reading, "You can't kill us all" as she puts her head out of the roof deck of a car.
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Krakow, Poland
A young woman lays it all out: Every Black life matters, and all Black lives matter.
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New York, NY
A multicolored sign, with what looks like colors from the Pan-African flag as well as an image of Africa on fire, includes the title of Ava DuVernay's Netflix series When They See Us.
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Washington, D.C.
This sign references the death of Floyd specifically, and the delay in arresting the Minneapolis officer who killed him.
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Boyertown, PA
A young woman makes a reference to the COVID-19 pandemic (and wears a mask to practice safety measures) but alludes to Floyd's words: "I can't breathe."
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Brussels, Belgium
A beautiful, forward-facing look at the world to come.
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Washington, D.C.
Even though many of the signs referenced Floyd, others referenced female BIPOC lives lost, including Breonna Taylor, and how their lives matter too.
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Krakow, Poland
And another protester calls her out by name, over a heartbreaking portrait.
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Charlotte, NC
A note of levity among the more serious: Even "Karens" can help in the movement.
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Houston, TX
A white man stands for Black Lives Matter and against racism in Texas.
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Barcelona, Spain
A protester notes that this is not a sign of division between races, but a sign of unity against racial injustice.
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New York, NY
A woman wonders, "Who do you call when the police murder?"
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London, England
Two women, one Black, one white, have a pair of signs that speak volumes.
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Toronto, Canada
A man presents an ultimatum.
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Manchester, UK
"Never again" will she be silent against injustice, a protester vows.
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New York, NY
A wordless painting saying a thousand words: A closed fist, a sign of support and resistance, that turns into a rose.
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Marin City, CA
Short, simple, to the point: Enough is "enough."
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Columbus, Ohio
A dual sign here: one, written on a boarded up building, one as a woman roller blades by, but both about love.
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London, England
Another beautiful, concise message from a Black protester.
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Sydney, Australia
A classic Malcom X quote—and still depressingly relevant today.
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Sydney, Australia
A woman holds a sign that speaks to the non-violent aims of the protest.
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Amsterdam, The Netherlands
A woman makes another reference to the COVID-19 pandemic—comparing it to the insidious spread of racism.
Katherine J IgoeKatherine’s a Boston-based contributing editor at Marie Claire online who covers celebrity, fashion, entertainment, and lifestyle—from “The Bachelor” to Everlane to Meghan Markle.
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