Places across Leeds are displaying David Oluwale plaques in solidarity after the original blue plaque was stolen.
The plaque dedicated to the victim of racial harassment was unveiled on April 25 on the Leeds Bridge by Leeds Civic Trust. It was stolen less than five hours after unveiling, leading police to launch a hate crime investigation.
Councillors Jonathan Pryor and Abigail Marshall Katung installed a temporary plaque in its place in the meantime - but this was also vandalised. However, Leeds Civic Trust are standing strong.
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In a tweet, the trust unveiled the new digital version of David's blue plaque, to be displayed across the city. The trust said: "We said we wouldn't be deterred from commemorating @RememberOluwale and his life & legacy.
"With @LeedsCC_News and solidarity from @JCDecaux_UK we'll continue to share his plaque far, wide, and on absolutely enormous screens!"
Organisations across the city have since banded together to support Leeds Civic Trust by displaying digital versions of David's blue plaque that cannot be stolen. Organisations that have joined in so far include Leeds Playhouse, Opera North, North Brewing Co, Leeds Markets, and more.
Pictures and videos show a digital version of David's plaque on big screens around the city. Messages of solidarity were also shared by the organisations displaying the plaques.
Leeds Playhouse wrote: "A man who will never be forgotten by Leeds." Similarly, North Brewing Co said the plaque would be displayed across taproom projectors this weekend, saying: "Racism has no place in our city."
Leeds residents have condemned the theft and vandalism of David's plaque, calling it a 'shocking' and 'appalling' crime. Another temporary plaque has since been installed at the original site and a crowdfunder for a replacement plaque reached its target within hours.
On April 26, Leeds Civic Trust, Leeds City Council and the David Oluwale Memorial Association said: “After such a successful plaque unveiling attended by upwards of 200 people, news that the Blue Plaque has been stolen from its location on Leeds Bridge is shocking.
"This follows the earlier daubing of racist graffiti in the city centre including on the Leeds Civic Trust premises. These are cowardly acts from people who are unwilling to debate their views in public. The successful unveiling of the plaque shows how far we have come as a city to combat racism. Its theft shows how much more we need to do.”
David died in Leeds in 1969 after being racially harassed. He was 'hounded to death' by the police, and tragically drowned in the River Aire. David was last seen being chased by two police officers before he died on April 18, 1969.
He had travelled to the UK from Nigeria, where he was targeted because of his race, mental health and homelessness. His death led to the first time the British police were prosecuted for their involvement in the death of a Black person.
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