The Friday before Thanksgiving, as millions of people around the country started packing up cars and prepared to board flights to reunite with their families, about 20 guests gathered inside a quiet gallery at the Museum of Contemporary Art Chicago for a moment of collective mourning.

Toward the back of the room were two large wooden altars, with steps adorned with offerings meant to honor the lives of Black girls: satin hair bonnets, nail polish, a baby doll, children’s books. A video of a 16-year-old girl doing her bouncy hair on TikTok played on a loop. Candles, teddy bears and bouquets of flowers were placed throughout the display.

Together that evening were friends, family and supporters of Breonna Taylor, Latasha Harlins, Marcie Gerald, Lyniah Bell, Rekia Boyd and Ma’Khia Bryant (the star of that looping TikTok video, who was fatally shot by police in Columbus, Ohio, in April). Over the past several years, their names had become rallying cries in their communities — some far beyond — after their lives were cut short by violence.

“The Black Girlhood Altar,” a temporary monument that had traveled through various neighborhoods in Chicago before landing at the MCA as part of an exhibition of work by artist Andrea Bowers, was meant to honor them and the countless other Black women and girls whose deaths preceded the national reckoning that followed the murder of George Floyd in May 2020. Most of their lives had never been memorialized on such a grand scale.

“It’s taking trauma and reclaiming it for yourself and honoring the people in it,” said Scheherazade Tillet, a founder of A Long Walk Home, the national organization that sponsored the creation of the temporary monument. “The horror is in the trauma, and the beauty is in the spirit of the person.”

The altar was assembled by artists Leah Gipson and Robert Narciso, Black girls from the Chicago community, and Tillet. (Her sister and co-founder, Salamishah Tillet, is a contributing critic for The New York Times.)

In recent years, there has been a global push to remove statues and monuments of racist historical figures. At the same time, some artists have been galvanized to honor people from marginalized groups, including Kehinde Wiley, through his “Rumors of War” series, and a recent public art exhibition in New York City showcasing bronze busts of African American figures.

Sarah Elizabeth Lewis, an art historian and professor at Harvard University, said the commissioning of these statues as historical monuments are taken down signals “an expansion in the American narrative.”

“These new monuments signify that we’ve underestimated how rights and representation in U.S. democracy are tied to the work of visual representation,” Lewis wrote in an email, “which includes the signaling power of monuments in the public sphere.”

“We are in the midst of a profound reckoning about the true marriage of race, rights and visual representation for the broader work of justice,” she added.

In the gallery that chilly November night, the significance of a monument to the lives of Black girls was not lost on the guests. Juniyah Palmer, Taylor’s sister, did a lap around the room, then stepped outside to take a moment to herself. Evelyn Hightower lingered on the image of Lyniah Bell, her daughter, hanging from one of seven pendants on an adjacent wall dedicated to seven victims.

Kenneth Walker, Taylor’s boyfriend, said he felt moved by the display. “Just everybody’s vibe and mutual pain about all these different situations,” he said through a face mask with “Breonna Taylor” printed across the front. “You can definitely tell people really care all over the world.”

The evening before, the group had gathered for a private, family-style dinner at Taste 222, a restaurant in Chicago’s Fulton River District, along with youth members from A Long Walk Home, known as the Girl/Friends. Chandeliers and dimly lit candles illuminated the room as people took their seats at two long tables.

“I think this dinner is about love,” Tillet said. “These are the people to remember. These are the people we need to care for and to immerse them with these young people who are the legacy. Who have been marching for them.”

After opening remarks, a first course of kale salad with cranberries and sunflower seeds was served. There were notes of levity in what might have otherwise been a solemn gathering, as guests became acquainted with the space and the menu.

“I like salad with good ranch,” Walker said with a smile.

“You don’t even like kale,” Palmer retorted.

The evening had been billed as a night of connection and healing for the survivors, but for the most part they sat in pods, holding their unique, unspeakable losses close.

Elizabeth Gerald, whose 15-year-old daughter, Marcie, died by suicide in 2015 after being abducted and sexually assaulted, said that when she first started meeting with other mothers years ago in Chicago who could relate to her tragedy, she was taken aback by the divisions felt between survivors whose loved ones lacked name recognition and those whose stories had become the subjects of national news and protests.

“High-profile is like Trayvon and Sandra Bland, and Breonna Taylor is considered high-profile because of the media,” Gerald said. “But the low-profile are like the mothers who lose to police shootings that nobody knows about.”

“I think a lot of times it’s jealousy because they’re feeling like, ‘Well, what about me?’ ” Gerald continued. “It feels really good to be able to have something more small, intimate. Just us and the families helping each other, being there for each other.”

After dessert, the hosts took a moment to explain the history of the altar and its intention. Gift bags were handed to families, and each group was presented with custom beaded bracelets and lockets dedicated to their loved ones.

“Aw, it’s Breonna,” said an emotional Walker as he opened the locket to find a picture of his girlfriend. “This is really nice.”

At the end of the night, a microphone was passed around the room so that each attendee could share a wish for Black women. Their words echoed through the room like a benediction: “Protection.” “Freedom.” “Justice.” “Joy.”

The Friday before Thanksgiving, as millions of people around the country started packing up cars and prepared to board flights to reunite with their families, about 20 guests gathered inside a quiet gallery at the Museum of Contemporary Art Chicago for a moment of collective mourning.

The Friday before Thanksgiving, as millions of people around the country started packing up cars and prepared to board flights to reunite with their families, about 20 guests gathered inside a quiet gallery at the Museum of Contemporary Art Chicago for a moment of collective mourning. Toward the back of the room were two large wooden altars, with steps adorned with offerings meant to honor the lives of Black girls: satin hair bonnets, nail polish, a baby doll, children’s books. A video of a 16-year-old girl doing her bouncy hair on TikTok played on a loop. Candles, teddy bears and bouquets of flowers were placed throughout the display. Together that evening were friends, family and supporters of Breonna Taylor, Latasha Harlins, Marcie Gerald, Lyniah Bell, Rekia Boyd and Ma’Khia Bryant (the star of that looping TikTok video, who was fatally shot by police in Columbus, Ohio, in April). Over the past several years, their names had become rallying cries in their communities — some far beyond — after their lives were cut short by violence. “The Black Girlhood Altar,” a temporary monument that had traveled through various neighborhoods in Chicago before landing at the MCA as part of an exhibition of work by artist Andrea Bowers, was meant to honor them and the countless other Black women and girls whose deaths preceded the national reckoning that followed the murder of George Floyd in May 2020. Most of their lives had never been memorialized on such a grand scale. “It’s taking trauma and reclaiming it for yourself and honoring the people in it,” said Scheherazade Tillet, a founder of A Long Walk Home, the national organization that sponsored the creation of the temporary monument. “The horror is in the trauma, and the beauty is in the spirit of the person.” The altar was assembled by artists Leah Gipson and Robert Narciso, Black girls from the Chicago community, and Tillet. (Her sister and co-founder, Salamishah Tillet, is a contributing critic for The New York Times.) In recent years, there has been a global push to remove statues and monuments of racist historical figures. At the same time, some artists have been galvanized to honor people from marginalized groups, including Kehinde Wiley, through his “Rumors of War” series, and a recent public art exhibition in New York City showcasing bronze busts of African American figures. Sarah Elizabeth Lewis, an art historian and professor at Harvard University, said the commissioning of these statues as historical monuments are taken down signals “an expansion in the American narrative.” “These new monuments signify that we’ve underestimated how rights and representation in U.S. democracy are tied to the work of visual representation,” Lewis wrote in an email, “which includes the signaling power of monuments in the public sphere.” “We are in the midst of a profound reckoning about the true marriage of race, rights and visual representation for the broader work of justice,” she added. In the gallery that chilly November night, the significance of a monument to the lives of Black girls was not lost on the guests. Juniyah Palmer, Taylor’s sister, did a lap around the room, then stepped outside to take a moment to herself. Evelyn Hightower lingered on the image of Lyniah Bell, her daughter, hanging from one of seven pendants on an adjacent wall dedicated to seven victims. Kenneth Walker, Taylor’s boyfriend, said he felt moved by the display. “Just everybody’s vibe and mutual pain about all these different situations,” he said through a face mask with “Breonna Taylor” printed across the front. “You can definitely tell people really care all over the world.” The evening before, the group had gathered for a private, family-style dinner at Taste 222, a restaurant in Chicago’s Fulton River District, along with youth members from A Long Walk Home, known as the Girl/Friends. Chandeliers and dimly lit candles illuminated the room as people took their seats at two long tables. “I think this dinner is about love,” Tillet said. “These are the people to remember. These are the people we need to care for and to immerse them with these young people who are the legacy. Who have been marching for them.” After opening remarks, a first course of kale salad with cranberries and sunflower seeds was served. There were notes of levity in what might have otherwise been a solemn gathering, as guests became acquainted with the space and the menu. “I like salad with good ranch,” Walker said with a smile. “You don’t even like kale,” Palmer retorted. The evening had been billed as a night of connection and healing for the survivors, but for the most part they sat in pods, holding their unique, unspeakable losses close. Elizabeth Gerald, whose 15-year-old daughter, Marcie, died by suicide in 2015 after being abducted and sexually assaulted, said that when she first started meeting with other mothers years ago in Chicago who could relate to her tragedy, she was taken aback by the divisions felt between survivors whose loved ones lacked name recognition and those whose stories had become the subjects of national news and protests. “High-profile is like Trayvon and Sandra Bland, and Breonna Taylor is considered high-profile because of the media,” Gerald said. “But the low-profile are like the mothers who lose to police shootings that nobody knows about.” “I think a lot of times it’s jealousy because they’re feeling like, ‘Well, what about me?’ ” Gerald continued. “It feels really good to be able to have something more small, intimate. Just us and the families helping each other, being there for each other.” After dessert, the hosts took a moment to explain the history of the altar and its intention. Gift bags were handed to families, and each group was presented with custom beaded bracelets and lockets dedicated to their loved ones. “Aw, it’s Breonna,” said an emotional Walker as he opened the locket to find a picture of his girlfriend. “This is really nice.” At the end of the night, a microphone was passed around the room so that each attendee could share a wish for Black women. Their words echoed through the room like a benediction: “Protection.” “Freedom.” “Justice.” “Joy.”

A monument to the lives of Black women and girls

The defence attorney in the Ahmaud Arbery murder trial is facing backlash after he objected to the presence of black pastors.

Arbery, a 25-year-old Black jogger, was shot with a shotgun by three white men that resulted in his death.

Attorney Kevin Gough had said ''If their pastor is Al Sharpton right now, that's fine. But then that's it.''

''We don't want any more black pastors coming in here, Jesse Jackson, whoever, was in here earlier this week, sitting with the victim's family, trying to influence a jury in this case,'' he added.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ahmaud-arbery-slain-black-mans-family-angry-that-jury-in-murder-trial-is-nearly-all-white-426874">Also read |&nbsp;Ahmaud Arbery: Slain Black man's family angry that jury in murder trial is nearly all-White</a>

It happened after leading civil rights leader, the Rev. Al Sharpton, was seen seated with the victim's family earlier in the court proceedings.

In making his objection on Thursday, Gough told Judge Timothy Walmsley "we want to keep politics out of this case," and suggested that the presence of figures like Sharpton or Jackson "could be consciously or unconsciously an attempt to pressure or influence the jury".

When Arbery's family asked for the removal of Gough from the case, he said ''My apologies to anyone who might've been inadvertently offended.''

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/prosecutors-play-video-footage-of-ahmaud-arberys-murder-in-court-427269">Also read |&nbsp;Prosecutors play video footage of Ahmaud Arbery's murder in court</a>

Gregory McMichael, 65, a retired police officer, his son Travis, 35, and their neighbor William "Roddie" Bryan, 52, are facing murder and other charges for the February 2020 shooting of&nbsp;Ahmaud Arbery. They face life in prison if convicted of murder.

The three defendants contend they mistook Arbery for a burglar in their Georgia neighborhood of Satilla Shores and invoked a since-repealed state law that allows ordinary citizens to make arrests.

A graphic video of the shooting of the unarmed Arbery went viral on social media and added fuel to last year's protests against racial injustice sparked by the murder of George Floyd, a 46-year-old Black man, by a white police officer in Minneapolis, Minnesota.

(With inputs from agencies)

The defence attorney in the Ahmaud Arbery murder trial is facing backlash after he objected to the presence of black pastors. Arbery, a 25-year-old Black jogger, was shot with a shotgun by three white men that resulted in his death.

The defence attorney in the Ahmaud Arbery murder trial is facing backlash after he objected to the presence of black pastors. Arbery, a 25-year-old Black jogger, was shot with a shotgun by three white men that resulted in his death. Attorney Kevin Gough had said ''If their pastor is Al Sharpton right now, that's fine. But then that's it.'' ''We don't want any more black pastors coming in here, Jesse Jackson, whoever, was in here earlier this week, sitting with the victim's family, trying to influence a jury in this case,'' he added. Also read | Ahmaud Arbery: Slain Black man's family angry that jury in murder trial is nearly all-White It happened after leading civil rights leader, the Rev. Al Sharpton, was seen seated with the victim's family earlier in the court proceedings. In making his objection on Thursday, Gough told Judge Timothy Walmsley "we want to keep politics out of this case," and suggested that the presence of figures like Sharpton or Jackson "could be consciously or unconsciously an attempt to pressure or influence the jury". When Arbery's family asked for the removal of Gough from the case, he said ''My apologies to anyone who might've been inadvertently offended.'' Also read | Prosecutors play video footage of Ahmaud Arbery's murder in court Gregory McMichael, 65, a retired police officer, his son Travis, 35, and their neighbor William "Roddie" Bryan, 52, are facing murder and other charges for the February 2020 shooting of Ahmaud Arbery. They face life in prison if convicted of murder. The three defendants contend they mistook Arbery for a burglar in their Georgia neighborhood of Satilla Shores and invoked a since-repealed state law that allows ordinary citizens to make arrests. A graphic video of the shooting of the unarmed Arbery went viral on social media and added fuel to last year's protests against racial injustice sparked by the murder of George Floyd, a 46-year-old Black man, by a white police officer in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (With inputs from agencies)

Ahmaud Arbery murder trial: Defence attorney faces backlash on comments about black pastors

Judge Bruce Schroeder made an offensive joke about Asian food during the Kyle Rittenhouse trial for homicide.

Schroeder had said, ''I hope the Asian food isn't coming... isn't on one of those boats from Long Beach Harbor.''

His strange remark was deemed inappropriate and faced backlash for being&nbsp;anti-Asian.

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/kyle-rittenhouse-breakdown-during-the-trial-428633/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

John Yang, president and executive director of Asian Americans Advancing Justice-AAJC said, ''It harms our community and puts us in the crosshairs of micro-aggressions as well as actual physical violence.''

After facing backlash, Schroeder defended himself, saying he was ''referring to the supply chain backlogs caused by congestion problems in California ports.''

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/man-shot-by-kyle-rittenhouse-calls-him-an-active-shooter-calls-use-of-gun-self-defence-427985">Also read |&nbsp;Man shot by Kyle Rittenhouse calls him an 'active shooter,' calls use of gun 'self-defence'</a>

Earlier, he had&nbsp;sent the jury out of the courtroom after prosecutor Thomas Binger began questioning Kyle&nbsp;Rittenhouse's decision to remain silent after&nbsp;shooting last year.

Over 9,000 anti-Asian incidents reported in the US since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite months of political and social action, the number of anti-Asian incidents documented in the United States so far this year is poised to surpass last year, as per a report by Stop AAPI Hate, a nationwide coalition that became the authority on gathering statistics on racially motivated assaults.

Kyle Rittenhouse is an American teenager who is charged with killing two people during racial justice protests last year.

In dramatic and risky testimony in his own defence, Rittenhouse tried to portray himself as wanting to help others during the protests last year in the city of Kenosha and opened fire only in self-defense after being attacked and ambushed.&nbsp;

Prosecutors have described Rittenhouse as a vigilante who killed two protesters. But he struggled in front of a jury to explain why he carried an AR-15-style assault rifle to the protests.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/jacob-blake-sues-police-officer-who-shot-him-373496">Also read |&nbsp;Jacob Blake sues police officer who shot him</a>

The case has drawn national attention because it arose from the nationwide Black Lives Matter demonstrations last year.

The protests and rioting in Kenosha erupted when a white policeman shot a Black man, Jacob Blake, several times in his car during an arrest, leaving him paralysed.

In right-wing and pro-gun circles, including former president Donald Trump and his followers, Rittenhouse is a painted as a hero figure.&nbsp;

The case is the most high-profile civilian US&nbsp;self-defence trial since George Zimmerman was acquitted in the fatal shooting of Trayvon Martin, an unarmed Black teenager, in Florida in 2013.

(With inputs from agencies)

&nbsp;

Judge Bruce Schroeder made an offensive joke about Asian food during the Kyle Rittenhouse trial for homicide. Schroeder had said, ''I hope the Asian food isn't coming.

Judge Bruce Schroeder made an offensive joke about Asian food during the Kyle Rittenhouse trial for homicide. Schroeder had said, ''I hope the Asian food isn't coming... isn't on one of those boats from Long Beach Harbor.'' His strange remark was deemed inappropriate and faced backlash for being anti-Asian. John Yang, president and executive director of Asian Americans Advancing Justice-AAJC said, ''It harms our community and puts us in the crosshairs of micro-aggressions as well as actual physical violence.'' After facing backlash, Schroeder defended himself, saying he was ''referring to the supply chain backlogs caused by congestion problems in California ports.'' Also read | Man shot by Kyle Rittenhouse calls him an 'active shooter,' calls use of gun 'self-defence' Earlier, he had sent the jury out of the courtroom after prosecutor Thomas Binger began questioning Kyle Rittenhouse's decision to remain silent after shooting last year. Over 9,000 anti-Asian incidents reported in the US since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite months of political and social action, the number of anti-Asian incidents documented in the United States so far this year is poised to surpass last year, as per a report by Stop AAPI Hate, a nationwide coalition that became the authority on gathering statistics on racially motivated assaults. Kyle Rittenhouse is an American teenager who is charged with killing two people during racial justice protests last year. In dramatic and risky testimony in his own defence, Rittenhouse tried to portray himself as wanting to help others during the protests last year in the city of Kenosha and opened fire only in self-defense after being attacked and ambushed. Prosecutors have described Rittenhouse as a vigilante who killed two protesters. But he struggled in front of a jury to explain why he carried an AR-15-style assault rifle to the protests. Also read | Jacob Blake sues police officer who shot him The case has drawn national attention because it arose from the nationwide Black Lives Matter demonstrations last year. The protests and rioting in Kenosha erupted when a white policeman shot a Black man, Jacob Blake, several times in his car during an arrest, leaving him paralysed. In right-wing and pro-gun circles, including former president Donald Trump and his followers, Rittenhouse is a painted as a hero figure. The case is the most high-profile civilian US self-defence trial since George Zimmerman was acquitted in the fatal shooting of Trayvon Martin, an unarmed Black teenager, in Florida in 2013. (With inputs from agencies)

Kyle Rittenhouse case: Judge makes offensive anti-Asian joke during homicide trial

The man shot by Kyle Rittenhouse has said that he used his gun against him as 'self-defence'.

He believed the US teenager was an "active shooter" and was trying to disarm Rittenhouse at the time because he thought otherwise he would die.

Rittenhouse, the American teen who shot three people during anti-police protests last year, claimed he had been attacked "like an animal."&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/jacob-blake-sues-police-officer-who-shot-him-373496">Also read |&nbsp;Jacob Blake sues police officer who shot him</a>

Mark Richards, representing the then-17-year-old who killed two men and wounded a third with his assault rifle at the August 25, 2020 protest in Kenosha, Wisconsin, depicted Rittenhouse as under mortal threat from demonstrators.

Gaige Grosskreutz, a former paramedic who was armed with a pistol that night, said he followed Rittenhouse because he had heard gunshots and saw protesters chasing him. He thought he might need to provide medical aid.

"I thought that the defendant was an active shooter," Grosskreutz told the jury.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/county-reaches-10-million-settlement-in-jailed-black-mans-death-387475">Also read |&nbsp;County reaches $10 million settlement in jailed Black man’s death</a>

His critics say he represents armed vigilantes on the right who police allegedly permitted, if not encouraged, to take the law into their own hands against protestors.

But in right-wing and pro-gun circles, and among supporters of former president Donald Trump, Rittenhouse is a hero figure.

Last week, multiple witnesses provided testimony that seemed to support the teen's claim of self-defense, especially in the case of Rosenbaum.

Protesters "violently attacked him," former President Trump said during a pre-election visit to Kenosha in September. "He probably would have been killed."

After his arrest, Rittenhouse was freed on bail of $2 million, raised by supporters across the country, including from Trump's own circle.

Rittenhouse is charged with five felony counts, including first-degree homicide and attempted homicide, and a misdemeanor, illegal possession of a dangerous weapon by a person under 18.

(With inputs from agencies)

The man shot by Kyle Rittenhouse has said that he used his gun against him as 'self-defence'. He believed the US teenager was an "active shooter" and was trying to disarm Rittenhouse at the time because he thought otherwise he would die.

The man shot by Kyle Rittenhouse has said that he used his gun against him as 'self-defence'. He believed the US teenager was an "active shooter" and was trying to disarm Rittenhouse at the time because he thought otherwise he would die. Rittenhouse, the American teen who shot three people during anti-police protests last year, claimed he had been attacked "like an animal." Also read | Jacob Blake sues police officer who shot him Mark Richards, representing the then-17-year-old who killed two men and wounded a third with his assault rifle at the August 25, 2020 protest in Kenosha, Wisconsin, depicted Rittenhouse as under mortal threat from demonstrators. Gaige Grosskreutz, a former paramedic who was armed with a pistol that night, said he followed Rittenhouse because he had heard gunshots and saw protesters chasing him. He thought he might need to provide medical aid. "I thought that the defendant was an active shooter," Grosskreutz told the jury. Also read | County reaches $10 million settlement in jailed Black man’s death His critics say he represents armed vigilantes on the right who police allegedly permitted, if not encouraged, to take the law into their own hands against protestors. But in right-wing and pro-gun circles, and among supporters of former president Donald Trump, Rittenhouse is a hero figure. Last week, multiple witnesses provided testimony that seemed to support the teen's claim of self-defense, especially in the case of Rosenbaum. Protesters "violently attacked him," former President Trump said during a pre-election visit to Kenosha in September. "He probably would have been killed." After his arrest, Rittenhouse was freed on bail of $2 million, raised by supporters across the country, including from Trump's own circle. Rittenhouse is charged with five felony counts, including first-degree homicide and attempted homicide, and a misdemeanor, illegal possession of a dangerous weapon by a person under 18. (With inputs from agencies)

Man shot by Kyle Rittenhouse calls him an 'active shooter,' calls use of gun 'self-defence'

First witness in the Ahmaud Arbery&nbsp;murder was called to testify. Glynn County Police Officer William Duggan claimed that he was close to the crime scene so he responded to the situation immediately after completing an off-duty job.<o:p></o:p>

Duggan testified that when he reached the crime scene, he spotted a few other people around the Black male who was on the ground. He later identified those 'other people' as the defendants.<o:p></o:p>

He also added that when he saw Arbery lying on the ground, he felt that Arbery was already dead and there was nothing he could do for the victim.

<o:p>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ahmaud-arbery-slain-black-mans-family-angry-that-jury-in-murder-trial-is-nearly-all-white-426874">Ahmaud Arbery: Slain Black man's family angry that jury in murder trial is nearly all-White</a></o:p>

During the opening remarks of the prosecutor Linda Dunikoski, the court also saw video submitted by the police officer who was first to reach the scene of crime. Dunikoski had argued that the defendants had chased Arbery and fatally shot him without having any evidence that he was doing anything illegal.<o:p></o:p>

"In this case, all three of these defendants did everything they did based on assumptions," she said. "Not on facts, not on evidence -- on assumptions. And they made decisions in their driveways based on those assumptions that took a young man's life. And that is why we are here."

<o:p>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/after-a-year-of-ahmaud-arberys-killing-his-mother-files-lawsuit-365773">After a year of Ahmaud Arbery's killing, his mother files lawsuit</a></o:p>

However, the defendants, Gregory McMichael, his son Travis McMichael and their neighbor, William "Roddie" Bryan Jr., have claimed that they were chasing Arbery to make a citizen’s arrest. The defendants said they had suspected that Arbery had stolen something from a house which was under construction nearby. Their lawyers also argued that Travis McMichael shot Arbery only as an act of self-defense.<o:p></o:p>

The shocking murder dates back to February 23, 2020. In an area near Brunswick, Georgia, 25-year-old Ahmaud Arbery, a Black man, was out for his daily jog when he was attacked and shot dead by three White men. It is believed that the murder was a result of racism.<o:p></o:p>

First witness in the Ahmaud Arbery murder was called to testify. Glynn County Police Officer William Duggan claimed that he was close to the crime scene so he responded to the situation immediately after completing an off-duty job.

First witness in the Ahmaud Arbery murder was called to testify. Glynn County Police Officer William Duggan claimed that he was close to the crime scene so he responded to the situation immediately after completing an off-duty job. Duggan testified that when he reached the crime scene, he spotted a few other people around the Black male who was on the ground. He later identified those 'other people' as the defendants. He also added that when he saw Arbery lying on the ground, he felt that Arbery was already dead and there was nothing he could do for the victim. Also read | Ahmaud Arbery: Slain Black man's family angry that jury in murder trial is nearly all-White During the opening remarks of the prosecutor Linda Dunikoski, the court also saw video submitted by the police officer who was first to reach the scene of crime. Dunikoski had argued that the defendants had chased Arbery and fatally shot him without having any evidence that he was doing anything illegal. "In this case, all three of these defendants did everything they did based on assumptions," she said. "Not on facts, not on evidence -- on assumptions. And they made decisions in their driveways based on those assumptions that took a young man's life. And that is why we are here." Also read | After a year of Ahmaud Arbery's killing, his mother files lawsuit However, the defendants, Gregory McMichael, his son Travis McMichael and their neighbor, William "Roddie" Bryan Jr., have claimed that they were chasing Arbery to make a citizen’s arrest. The defendants said they had suspected that Arbery had stolen something from a house which was under construction nearby. Their lawyers also argued that Travis McMichael shot Arbery only as an act of self-defense. The shocking murder dates back to February 23, 2020. In an area near Brunswick, Georgia, 25-year-old Ahmaud Arbery, a Black man, was out for his daily jog when he was attacked and shot dead by three White men. It is believed that the murder was a result of racism.

Prosecutors play video footage of Ahmaud Arbery's murder in court

Ahmaud Arbery's family has expressed outrage over the selection of an almost all-White jury in his murder trial.

Arbery, an African American, was killed during a confrontation with Gregory McMichael, his son Travis, and their neighbour William Bryan.

''It is outrageous that Black jurors were intentionally excluded to create such an imbalanced jury,'' said the family attorney Benjamin Crump.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/3-white-men-accused-in-killing-of-black-us-jogger-deny-hate-charges-384457">Also read |&nbsp;3 white men accused in killing of Black US jogger deny hate charges</a>

The jury in the high-profile case includes 11 White people and one Black person. It is due to be sworn in and hear opening statements on Friday.

''There appears to be intentional discrimination,'' said Superior Court Judge Timothy Walmsley.

He nevertheless accepted the "race-neutral" reasons offered by the defence lawyers of the three men accused of murder.

Interestingly, about 25 per cent of the population of Glynn County, where the trial is taking place is black. It has a total population of 85,000.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/first-challenge-in-george-floyd-murder-trial-finding-an-impartial-jury-368801">Also read |&nbsp;First challenge in George Floyd murder trial: Finding an impartial jury</a>

Previously, a small amount of THC, a psychoactive compound in marijuana, was found in Arbery's blood.

However, a Georgia judge ruled that Arbery's mental health records are not admissible as evidence.

A graphic video of the shooting of the unarmed Arbery went viral on social media and added fuel to last year's protests against racial injustice sparked by the murder of George Floyd, a 46-year-old African-American man, by a white police officer in Minneapolis, Minnesota.

The three men contend they mistook the jogger for a burglar active in their coastal neighborhood of Satilla Shores and invoked a Georgia law allowing ordinary citizens to make arrests.

Before Arbery's killing, the law had been largely unchanged since it was codified in 1863 when Georgia was part of the slaveholding Southern Confederacy during the US Civil War.

Arbery became one of the symbols of countrywide "Black Lives Matter" protests against racial injustice and police violence.

(With inputs from agencies) 
&nbsp;

Ahmaud Arbery's family has expressed outrage over the selection of an almost all-White jury in his murder trial. Arbery, an African American, was killed during a confrontation with Gregory McMichael, his son Travis, and their neighbour William Bryan.

Ahmaud Arbery's family has expressed outrage over the selection of an almost all-White jury in his murder trial. Arbery, an African American, was killed during a confrontation with Gregory McMichael, his son Travis, and their neighbour William Bryan. ''It is outrageous that Black jurors were intentionally excluded to create such an imbalanced jury,'' said the family attorney Benjamin Crump. Also read | 3 white men accused in killing of Black US jogger deny hate charges The jury in the high-profile case includes 11 White people and one Black person. It is due to be sworn in and hear opening statements on Friday. ''There appears to be intentional discrimination,'' said Superior Court Judge Timothy Walmsley. He nevertheless accepted the "race-neutral" reasons offered by the defence lawyers of the three men accused of murder. Interestingly, about 25 per cent of the population of Glynn County, where the trial is taking place is black. It has a total population of 85,000. Also read | First challenge in George Floyd murder trial: Finding an impartial jury Previously, a small amount of THC, a psychoactive compound in marijuana, was found in Arbery's blood. However, a Georgia judge ruled that Arbery's mental health records are not admissible as evidence. A graphic video of the shooting of the unarmed Arbery went viral on social media and added fuel to last year's protests against racial injustice sparked by the murder of George Floyd, a 46-year-old African-American man, by a white police officer in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The three men contend they mistook the jogger for a burglar active in their coastal neighborhood of Satilla Shores and invoked a Georgia law allowing ordinary citizens to make arrests. Before Arbery's killing, the law had been largely unchanged since it was codified in 1863 when Georgia was part of the slaveholding Southern Confederacy during the US Civil War. Arbery became one of the symbols of countrywide "Black Lives Matter" protests against racial injustice and police violence. (With inputs from agencies)

Ahmaud Arbery: Slain Black man's family angry that jury in murder trial is nearly all-White

18 months after African American George Floyd's murder in Minneapolis sparked protests for racial justice around the world, Minneapolis voters have chosen not to replace their police force with a new department that would have taken a holistic approach to crime.

The official election results show that over 56 per cent of Minneapolis residents voted against changing the city charter to create the new department, which would have provided "public safety functions through a comprehensive public health approach."

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/a-school-mural-was-supposed-to-celebrate-black-lives-instead-it-was-destroyed-425605">A school mural was supposed to celebrate Black Lives. Instead, it was destroyed.</a>

The murder of Floyd a 46-year-old black man by a white police officer in May 2020 had triggered protests in Minneapolis and other US cities, with people calling for an end to police brutality and "defund the police."

Residents were angry about a policing system they considered irredeemably flawed and the ballot initiative arose out of that anger.&nbsp;

However, even those who supported scrapping the Minneapolis police department rejected this. In place of disbanding all armed officers, they recommended rethinking how and when police are used.

The failure of the amendment goes a long way to prove that even in liberal cities where scepticism of the police is strong, many Americans are unwilling to do away with the police.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ex-cop-convicted-of-george-floyds-murder-files-appeal-415631">Ex-cop convicted of George Floyd's murder files appeal</a>

Leili Fatehi, campaign manager for All of Mpls, which campaigned against dissolving the police department, said voters gave a clear mandate for continuing to work on reforms within the structure of the agency.

According to her, neither side of the ballot measure is happy with the status quo of policing in the city, but they disagree on how best to make changes.

Fatehi said that they hoped to see Minneapolis residents work together to hold the next mayor and City Council accountable so they would roll up their sleeves and get to work.

If the Minneapolis ballot measure had passed, the city council and the mayor would have been responsible for determining the functions of the Department of Public Safety. Additionally, social workers and mental health experts would have been more prominent in the department.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/is-a-new-covid-pandemic-emerging-or-is-it-an-endemic-now-experts-answer-426439" hreflang="en">Is a new&nbsp;Covid&nbsp;pandemic&nbsp;emerging or is it an endemic now? Experts answer</a>

The new department could have included "licensed peace officers (police officers), if necessary, to fulfill its responsibilities for public safety," according to the ballot measure.

In the months since Floyd's murder, several large cities, including Minneapolis, have invested more money in mental health programs, and have experimented with social workers being dispatched instead of armed police officers.

Responding to a national call to defund, some departments had curtailed minor traffic stops and arrests, and some had cut police budgets. However, since then, in response to rising gun violence and shifting politics, some have restored funding.

But, it is worth noting that no large city went as far as getting rid of its police force and replacing it with something new.

(With inputs from agencies)

18 months after African American George Floyd's murder in Minneapolis sparked protests for racial justice around the world, Minneapolis voters have chosen not to replace their police force with a new department that would have taken a holistic approach to crime.

18 months after African American George Floyd's murder in Minneapolis sparked protests for racial justice around the world, Minneapolis voters have chosen not to replace their police force with a new department that would have taken a holistic approach to crime. The official election results show that over 56 per cent of Minneapolis residents voted against changing the city charter to create the new department, which would have provided "public safety functions through a comprehensive public health approach." Also read | A school mural was supposed to celebrate Black Lives. Instead, it was destroyed. The murder of Floyd a 46-year-old black man by a white police officer in May 2020 had triggered protests in Minneapolis and other US cities, with people calling for an end to police brutality and "defund the police." Residents were angry about a policing system they considered irredeemably flawed and the ballot initiative arose out of that anger. However, even those who supported scrapping the Minneapolis police department rejected this. In place of disbanding all armed officers, they recommended rethinking how and when police are used. The failure of the amendment goes a long way to prove that even in liberal cities where scepticism of the police is strong, many Americans are unwilling to do away with the police. Also read | Ex-cop convicted of George Floyd's murder files appeal Leili Fatehi, campaign manager for All of Mpls, which campaigned against dissolving the police department, said voters gave a clear mandate for continuing to work on reforms within the structure of the agency. According to her, neither side of the ballot measure is happy with the status quo of policing in the city, but they disagree on how best to make changes. Fatehi said that they hoped to see Minneapolis residents work together to hold the next mayor and City Council accountable so they would roll up their sleeves and get to work. If the Minneapolis ballot measure had passed, the city council and the mayor would have been responsible for determining the functions of the Department of Public Safety. Additionally, social workers and mental health experts would have been more prominent in the department. Also read | Is a new Covid pandemic emerging or is it an endemic now? Experts answer The new department could have included "licensed peace officers (police officers), if necessary, to fulfill its responsibilities for public safety," according to the ballot measure. In the months since Floyd's murder, several large cities, including Minneapolis, have invested more money in mental health programs, and have experimented with social workers being dispatched instead of armed police officers. Responding to a national call to defund, some departments had curtailed minor traffic stops and arrests, and some had cut police budgets. However, since then, in response to rising gun violence and shifting politics, some have restored funding. But, it is worth noting that no large city went as far as getting rid of its police force and replacing it with something new. (With inputs from agencies)

In spite of the anger over George Floyd's murder, Minneapolis votes against scrapping police department

South Africa wicket-keeper batter Quinton de Kock returned to the team's playing XI and took a knee ahead of the Proteas clash against Sri Lanka in the T20 World Cup 2021 on Saturday (October 30). De Kock had earlier pulled out of South Africa's previous game against West Indies, in protest after Cricket South Africa (CSA) had directed all players to take a knee.

De Kock later issued a statement explaining his side and stating that he is 'not a racist'. He apologised for his actions and promised to take a knee with the rest of his teammates while also making himself available for the remaining matches in T20 World Cup 2021.

As promised, De Kock was seen taking a knee with his South Africa teammates ahead of the Sri Lanka game in Sharjah on Saturday. The cricketers are taking a knee during the T20 World Cup to extend their support toward the Black Lives Matter (BLM) movement and take a stand against racism of any form.

ICC shared a video of De Kock taking a knee on social media with the message - "United against racism".

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De Kock had said 'it was his personal opinion' after resfusing to take a knee and pulling out of the game against West Indies. However, on Saturday, he took off his cap and took a knee to express his support for the Black Lives Matter movement.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/t20-world-cup-sa-star-quinton-de-kock-apologises-for-blm-row-pledges-to-take-the-knee-424674">Quinton de Kock apologises for BLM row, pledges to take the knee</a>

De Kock replaced&nbsp;Heinrich Klaasen in the playing XI while the remaining South Africa line-up remained unchanged from their win against Wets Indies. Proteas skipper Temba Bavuma said the players were feeling much better ahead of the game against Sri Lanka then they were a few days ago.

"The team is feeling much better than we were a couple of days ago," Bavuma said after winning the toss against Sri Lanka.

"We obviously had some time to get away with the thing that's been happening. Quinton is in a much better state. As a team we are good, we're ready for the game today," he added.

&nbsp;

South Africa wicket-keeper batter Quinton de Kock returned to the team's playing XI and took a knee ahead of the Proteas clash against Sri Lanka in the T20 World Cup 2021 on Saturday (October 30).

South Africa wicket-keeper batter Quinton de Kock returned to the team's playing XI and took a knee ahead of the Proteas clash against Sri Lanka in the T20 World Cup 2021 on Saturday (October 30). De Kock had earlier pulled out of South Africa's previous game against West Indies, in protest after Cricket South Africa (CSA) had directed all players to take a knee. De Kock later issued a statement explaining his side and stating that he is 'not a racist'. He apologised for his actions and promised to take a knee with the rest of his teammates while also making himself available for the remaining matches in T20 World Cup 2021. As promised, De Kock was seen taking a knee with his South Africa teammates ahead of the Sri Lanka game in Sharjah on Saturday. The cricketers are taking a knee during the T20 World Cup to extend their support toward the Black Lives Matter (BLM) movement and take a stand against racism of any form. ICC shared a video of De Kock taking a knee on social media with the message - "United against racism". View this post on Instagram A post shared by ICC (@icc) × De Kock had said 'it was his personal opinion' after resfusing to take a knee and pulling out of the game against West Indies. However, on Saturday, he took off his cap and took a knee to express his support for the Black Lives Matter movement. Also Read: Quinton de Kock apologises for BLM row, pledges to take the knee De Kock replaced Heinrich Klaasen in the playing XI while the remaining South Africa line-up remained unchanged from their win against Wets Indies. Proteas skipper Temba Bavuma said the players were feeling much better ahead of the game against Sri Lanka then they were a few days ago. "The team is feeling much better than we were a couple of days ago," Bavuma said after winning the toss against Sri Lanka. "We obviously had some time to get away with the thing that's been happening. Quinton is in a much better state. As a team we are good, we're ready for the game today," he added.

WATCH: United against racism! Quinton de Kock joins SA teammates in taking a knee ahead of Sri Lanka clash

Quinton de Kock issues apology: Here's what we know so far since QDK refused to take the knee

Former Zimbabwean cricketer and now a popular commentator, Pommie Mbangwa has criticised the South African wicket-keeper batter Quinton de Kock for refusing to take a knee during a T20 World Cup match against West Indies on Tuesday (October 26).&nbsp;

De Kock defied the team's order that was meant for all the players to join the anti-racism gesture in support of the Black Lives Matter (BLM) movement. However, the batter refused to do it and sat out. Previously also, de Kock had declined to take a knee calling it "own personal opinion".

WATCH | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/watch-imad-wasims-special-message-for-new-zealand-cricket-team-as-he-mentions-the-cancelled-tour-424548">Imad Wasim's 'special message' for New Zealand cricket team as he mentions the cancelled tour</a>

Pommoe Mbangwa said, "Excuse me for being political, but I cannot shed my skin. I hope that the discussion at the very least is about how to be united about something that everybody agrees on… also in the hope that there is an agreement,” Mbangwa said on-air while doing his commentary duties for the official broadcaster.

The Cricket South Africa (CSA) instructed the team to adopt "a consistent and united stance against racism". However, later released a statement saying, "Cricket South Africa has noted the personal decision by South African wicketkeeper Quinton de Kock not to take the knee ahead of Tuesday's game against the West Indies."

IN PICS |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/mentor-ms-dhoni-and-billion-cheers-jersey-why-indias-t20-world-cup-2021-campaign-will-be-remembered-forever-422991">Mentor MS Dhoni and Billion Cheers Jersey: Why India's T20 World Cup 2021 campaign will be remembered forever</a>

The statement added, "The Board will await a further report from team management before deciding on the next steps. All players are expected to follow this directive (to take the knee) for the remaining games of the World Cup."

Former Zimbabwean cricketer and now a popular commentator, Pommie Mbangwa has criticised the South African wicket-keeper batter Quinton de Kock for refusing to take a knee during a T20 World Cup match against West Indies on Tuesday (October 26).

Former Zimbabwean cricketer and now a popular commentator, Pommie Mbangwa has criticised the South African wicket-keeper batter Quinton de Kock for refusing to take a knee during a T20 World Cup match against West Indies on Tuesday (October 26). De Kock defied the team's order that was meant for all the players to join the anti-racism gesture in support of the Black Lives Matter (BLM) movement. However, the batter refused to do it and sat out. Previously also, de Kock had declined to take a knee calling it "own personal opinion". WATCH | Imad Wasim's 'special message' for New Zealand cricket team as he mentions the cancelled tour Pommoe Mbangwa said, "Excuse me for being political, but I cannot shed my skin. I hope that the discussion at the very least is about how to be united about something that everybody agrees on… also in the hope that there is an agreement,” Mbangwa said on-air while doing his commentary duties for the official broadcaster. The Cricket South Africa (CSA) instructed the team to adopt "a consistent and united stance against racism". However, later released a statement saying, "Cricket South Africa has noted the personal decision by South African wicketkeeper Quinton de Kock not to take the knee ahead of Tuesday's game against the West Indies." IN PICS | Mentor MS Dhoni and Billion Cheers Jersey: Why India's T20 World Cup 2021 campaign will be remembered forever The statement added, "The Board will await a further report from team management before deciding on the next steps. All players are expected to follow this directive (to take the knee) for the remaining games of the World Cup."

Zimbabwe's Pommie Mbangwa criticises Quinton de Kock for refusing to take knee, says 'I cannot shed my skin'

South Africa batter Quinton de Kock withdrew from the T20 World Cup match after being dismissed for refusing to take the knee for Black Lives Matter (BLM). Should boards be forcing gestures on players?

South Africa wicket keeper de Kock withdraws from T20 World Cup after refusing to take knee

Quinton de Kock made heads turn when he opted out of South Africa's T20 World Cup 2021 clash versus West Indies, on Tuesday afternoon (October 26) at Dubai International Cricket Stadium, Dubai. While the players took a united stance by taking a knee in the fight against racism in the Black Lives Matter (BLM) movement, De Kock's absence shocked the cricketing fraternity.

While Temba Bavuma-led Proteas went onto defeat the defending champions West Indies with ease, despite no De Kock in the line-up, the wicketkeeper-batsman's absence made heads turn and hogged the headlines. The swashbuckling left-hander has finally released a statement on his absence and apologised for not taking a knee.&nbsp;

Recently, David Wiese -- a former South African international who is now representing Namibia in Pool B of T20 WC -- reacted to QDK's BLM row. During a virtual press conference ahead of the upcoming Abu Dhabi T10 League, Wiese shared his thoughts on QDK's BLM row and told while responding to www.wionnews.com, "Look, I think Quinky has made a press release today. He has given his reasons. You got to respect that as a player regarding what he feels about it. I think he has put everything to bed and everyone knows why he&nbsp;did what he did. For me the most important thing is that whatever you decide, you need to decide as a team. Stand in unity behind racism. Whether it is feeling strongly about taking a knee or&nbsp;like the Pakistan team stood and held their hand on their badge. What you are doing to show your support to anti-racism, you just have to do it as a team, in a unified front. That's how I see things."

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/t20-world-cup-sa-star-quinton-de-kock-apologises-for-blm-row-pledges-to-take-the-knee-424674">T20 World Cup: SA star Quinton de Kock apologises for BLM row, pledges to take the knee</a>

In a release, QDK shared his take and said, "I would like to start by saying sorry to my teammates, and the fans back home.&nbsp; I never ever wanted to make this a Quinton issue. I understand the importance of standing against racism, and I also understand the responsibility of us as players to set an example.

<section itemprop="articleBody">
"If me taking a knee helps to educate others, and makes the lives of others better, I am more than happy to do so. I did not, in any way, mean to disrespect anyone by not playing against West Indies, especially the West Indian team themselves. Maybe some people don't understand that we were just hit with this on Tuesday morning, on the way to a game.
</section>

<section itemprop="articleBody">
"I am deeply sorry for all the hurt, confusion and anger that I have caused. I was quiet on this very important issue until now. But I feel I have to explain myself a little bit. For those who don't know, I come from a mixed race family. My half-sisters are Coloured and my step mom is Black. For me, Black lives have mattered since I was born. Not just because there was an international movement.
</section>

<section itemprop="articleBody">
"The rights and equality of all people is more important than any individual. I was raised to understand that we all have rights, and they are important. I felt like my rights were taken away when I was told what we had to do in the way that we were told.
</section>

<section itemprop="articleBody">
"Since our chat with the board last night, which was very emotional, I think we all have a better understanding of their intentions as well. I wish this had happened sooner, because what happened on match day could have been avoided."
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Quinton de Kock made heads turn when he opted out of South Africa's T20 World Cup 2021 clash versus West Indies, on Tuesday afternoon (October 26) at Dubai International Cricket Stadium, Dubai.

Quinton de Kock made heads turn when he opted out of South Africa's T20 World Cup 2021 clash versus West Indies, on Tuesday afternoon (October 26) at Dubai International Cricket Stadium, Dubai. While the players took a united stance by taking a knee in the fight against racism in the Black Lives Matter (BLM) movement, De Kock's absence shocked the cricketing fraternity. While Temba Bavuma-led Proteas went onto defeat the defending champions West Indies with ease, despite no De Kock in the line-up, the wicketkeeper-batsman's absence made heads turn and hogged the headlines. The swashbuckling left-hander has finally released a statement on his absence and apologised for not taking a knee. Recently, David Wiese -- a former South African international who is now representing Namibia in Pool B of T20 WC -- reacted to QDK's BLM row. During a virtual press conference ahead of the upcoming Abu Dhabi T10 League, Wiese shared his thoughts on QDK's BLM row and told while responding to www.wionnews.com, "Look, I think Quinky has made a press release today. He has given his reasons. You got to respect that as a player regarding what he feels about it. I think he has put everything to bed and everyone knows why he did what he did. For me the most important thing is that whatever you decide, you need to decide as a team. Stand in unity behind racism. Whether it is feeling strongly about taking a knee or like the Pakistan team stood and held their hand on their badge. What you are doing to show your support to anti-racism, you just have to do it as a team, in a unified front. That's how I see things." ALSO READ | T20 World Cup: SA star Quinton de Kock apologises for BLM row, pledges to take the knee In a release, QDK shared his take and said, "I would like to start by saying sorry to my teammates, and the fans back home. I never ever wanted to make this a Quinton issue. I understand the importance of standing against racism, and I also understand the responsibility of us as players to set an example. "If me taking a knee helps to educate others, and makes the lives of others better, I am more than happy to do so. I did not, in any way, mean to disrespect anyone by not playing against West Indies, especially the West Indian team themselves. Maybe some people don't understand that we were just hit with this on Tuesday morning, on the way to a game. "I am deeply sorry for all the hurt, confusion and anger that I have caused. I was quiet on this very important issue until now. But I feel I have to explain myself a little bit. For those who don't know, I come from a mixed race family. My half-sisters are Coloured and my step mom is Black. For me, Black lives have mattered since I was born. Not just because there was an international movement. "The rights and equality of all people is more important than any individual. I was raised to understand that we all have rights, and they are important. I felt like my rights were taken away when I was told what we had to do in the way that we were told. "Since our chat with the board last night, which was very emotional, I think we all have a better understanding of their intentions as well. I wish this had happened sooner, because what happened on match day could have been avoided."

Stand in unity behind racism: Former South Africa star on Quinton de Kock's knee snub

South African players were 'surprised and taken back' as a team after wicket-keeper batter Quinton de Kock's refusal to take a knee and withdraw from his side's clash against West Indies in the ongoing T20 World Cup 2021 on Tuesday (October 26). De Kock cited personal reasons to pull out from the game after Cricket South Africa (CSA) released a directive asking the players to take a knee in support of the Black Lives Matter (BLM) movement.

Bavuma admitted post his side's 8-wicket win against West Indies that the players don't know exactly why De Kock decided to not take a knee to express his support for the anti-racism campaign and pull out of the match. The Proteas captain, however, said he and his teammates will respect the wicket-keeper batter's decision and expect him to stand by it.

"As a team, we are surprised and taken aback by the news. Quinton is a big player for the team, not just with the bat, but from a senior point of view, so not having this at my disposal, as a captain, is obviously something I wasn't looking forward to," Bavuma said after South Africa thrashed West Indies by 8 wickets.

"In saying that, Quinton is an adult. He is a man in his own shoes. We respect his decision, we respect his convictions, and I know he will be standing behind the decision he has taken," he added.

In the absence of De Kock, Henrich Klassen played as a wicket-keeper for the Proteas and did well behind the stumps to help them bounce back after their defeat in the opening clash against Australia. The Proteas didn't miss the presence of De Kock as they bagged a comfortable victory after chasing down the target of 144 runs with ten balls to spare.

"With (Henrich) Klassen coming in it was an opportunity for him and at the end of the day it was another day of cricket for us to play for our country and we had to make sure we live up to that," Bavuma said.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/terrible-harsha-bhogle-slams-waqar-younis-for-calling-rizwans-on-field-namaz-in-front-of-hindus-special-424230">Terrible! Harsha Bhogle slams Waqar Younis for calling Rizwan's on-field namaz in front of Hindus 'special'</a>

&nbsp;

Batting first, West Indies rode on opener Evin Lewis's 56 off 35 balls to post 143/8 on the board in 20 overs as the middle-order crumbled under pressure and failed to deliver in Dubai.&nbsp;

In reply, South Africa got off to a stuttering start losing captain Bavuma cheaply on 2 off just three deliveries before Reeza Hendricks (39) combined with Rassie van der Dussen (43) to post a 57-run stand for the second wicket and set up the run-chase.

Van der Dussen remained unbeaten on 43 and combined with Aiden Markram (unbeaten 51) to add an 83-run stand for the third wicket and take the team over the line. West Indies, on the other hand, suffered back-to-back defeats in their first two games in the Super 12 as the defending champions look set for an early exit from the tournament.

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South African players were 'surprised and taken back' as a team after wicket-keeper batter Quinton de Kock's refusal to take a knee and withdraw from his side's clash against West Indies in the ongoing T20 World Cup 2021 on Tuesday (October 26).

South African players were 'surprised and taken back' as a team after wicket-keeper batter Quinton de Kock's refusal to take a knee and withdraw from his side's clash against West Indies in the ongoing T20 World Cup 2021 on Tuesday (October 26). De Kock cited personal reasons to pull out from the game after Cricket South Africa (CSA) released a directive asking the players to take a knee in support of the Black Lives Matter (BLM) movement. Bavuma admitted post his side's 8-wicket win against West Indies that the players don't know exactly why De Kock decided to not take a knee to express his support for the anti-racism campaign and pull out of the match. The Proteas captain, however, said he and his teammates will respect the wicket-keeper batter's decision and expect him to stand by it. "As a team, we are surprised and taken aback by the news. Quinton is a big player for the team, not just with the bat, but from a senior point of view, so not having this at my disposal, as a captain, is obviously something I wasn't looking forward to," Bavuma said after South Africa thrashed West Indies by 8 wickets. "In saying that, Quinton is an adult. He is a man in his own shoes. We respect his decision, we respect his convictions, and I know he will be standing behind the decision he has taken," he added. In the absence of De Kock, Henrich Klassen played as a wicket-keeper for the Proteas and did well behind the stumps to help them bounce back after their defeat in the opening clash against Australia. The Proteas didn't miss the presence of De Kock as they bagged a comfortable victory after chasing down the target of 144 runs with ten balls to spare. "With (Henrich) Klassen coming in it was an opportunity for him and at the end of the day it was another day of cricket for us to play for our country and we had to make sure we live up to that," Bavuma said. Also Read: Terrible! Harsha Bhogle slams Waqar Younis for calling Rizwan's on-field namaz in front of Hindus 'special' Batting first, West Indies rode on opener Evin Lewis's 56 off 35 balls to post 143/8 on the board in 20 overs as the middle-order crumbled under pressure and failed to deliver in Dubai. In reply, South Africa got off to a stuttering start losing captain Bavuma cheaply on 2 off just three deliveries before Reeza Hendricks (39) combined with Rassie van der Dussen (43) to post a 57-run stand for the second wicket and set up the run-chase. Van der Dussen remained unbeaten on 43 and combined with Aiden Markram (unbeaten 51) to add an 83-run stand for the third wicket and take the team over the line. West Indies, on the other hand, suffered back-to-back defeats in their first two games in the Super 12 as the defending champions look set for an early exit from the tournament.

It took South Africa back as a team: Temba Bavuma on Quinton de Kock's withdrawl from West Indies clash

Cricket South Africa on Tuesday ordered its players to take the knee before their remaining T20 World Cup matches in support of the 'Black Lives Matter' movement and took note of Quinton De Kock's withdrawal from the game against the West Indies due to "personal reasons".

In a shocking move, wicketkeeper-batter de Kock made himself unavailable for selection in South Africa's Group 1 Super 12 stage match against the West Indies in Dubai on Tuesday, his decision coming after the CSA's diktat. 
The board said it will await a report from the management before deciding on the next move.

"Cricket South Africa (CSA) has noted the personal decision by South African wicketkeeper Quinton de Kock not to "take the knee" ahead of Tuesday's game against the West Indies," the CSA said in a statement.

De Kock has expressed his reluctance to make the gesture in the past as well saying, "It's everyone's decision; no-one's forced to do anything, not in life. That's the way I see things." The country's cricket board, meanwhile, asked the players to follow the diktat.

"All players had been required, in line with a directive of the CSA Board on Monday evening, to "take the knee" in a united and consistent stance against racism.

"This is also the global gesture against racism that has been adopted by sportspeople across sporting codes because they recognise the power of sport to bring people together."

The CSA move is aimed at driving home the point that the board is serious about tackling racism and all forms of discrimination in the game.

"After considering all relevant issues, including the freedom of choice of players, the Board had made it clear it was imperative for the team to be seen taking a stand against racism, especially given SA's history.

"The Board's view was that while diversity can and should find expression in many facets of daily lives, this did not apply when it came to taking a stand against racism.

"The Board will await a further report from team management before deciding on the next steps. All players are expected to follow this directive for the remaining games of the World Cup."

The cricket fraternity too reacted to de Kock's sudden decision to pull out of the vital game for his team. 
Before the start of the match, Indian cricketer Dinesh Karthik tweeted, "Quinton de Kock not playing because of his stand on BLM (Black Lives Matter) movement," with an image of de Kock refusing to take the knee. 
Former Australia all-rounder Shane Watson said there must be some "internal issues".

"Huge shock. There must be something going on internally," Watson said on Star Sports. Former West Indies captain Brian Lara said de Kock's absence will give advantage to West Indies.

"It's going to be big advantage West Indies now that de Kock is not playing," Lara said. Earlier in the day, the CSA had stated that "concerns were raised that that the different postures taken by team members in support of the BLM initiative created an unintended perception of disparity or lack of support for the initiative."

"Taking the knee is the global gesture against racism adopted by sports persons across the globe." The South African cricketers have been seemingly split on the issue and before their T20 World Cup opener against Australia, players were seen standing, kneeling or raising a fist.

Pacer Anrich Nortje and wicketkeeper Heinrich Klaasen stood with their hands behind their backs even as their teammates used different ways to express their support to the 'Black Lives Matter' movement. The Indian cricket team had also taken the knee ahead of its tournament-opener against Pakistan on Sunday. The CSA pledged its support to BLM movement.

"Race should not be manipulated to amplify our weaknesses. Diversity can and should find expression in many facets of our daily lives, but not when it comes to taking a stand against racism," CSA Board chairperson Lawson Naidoo said in the statement.

"South Africans were recently joined by people across the world in celebrating the 90th birthday of our revered Archbishop Desmond Tutu.

"What better tribute from the Proteas to an icon of the struggle for freedom in South Africa than to demonstrate we are working to fulfil his vision of a united South Africa."

Former England captain Michael Vaughan offered support to de Kock.

"Surely it's down to the individual to decide whether he or she wants to be involved in any movement? A Cricket board should request players to do it but if that individual decides they don't want too (sic) it should not stop them playing the game of Cricket."

Cricket South Africa on Tuesday ordered its players to take the knee before their remaining T20 World Cup matches in support of the 'Black Lives Matter' movement and took note of Quinton De Kock's withdrawal from the game against the West Indies due to "personal reasons".

Cricket South Africa on Tuesday ordered its players to take the knee before their remaining T20 World Cup matches in support of the 'Black Lives Matter' movement and took note of Quinton De Kock's withdrawal from the game against the West Indies due to "personal reasons". In a shocking move, wicketkeeper-batter de Kock made himself unavailable for selection in South Africa's Group 1 Super 12 stage match against the West Indies in Dubai on Tuesday, his decision coming after the CSA's diktat. The board said it will await a report from the management before deciding on the next move. "Cricket South Africa (CSA) has noted the personal decision by South African wicketkeeper Quinton de Kock not to "take the knee" ahead of Tuesday's game against the West Indies," the CSA said in a statement. De Kock has expressed his reluctance to make the gesture in the past as well saying, "It's everyone's decision; no-one's forced to do anything, not in life. That's the way I see things." The country's cricket board, meanwhile, asked the players to follow the diktat. "All players had been required, in line with a directive of the CSA Board on Monday evening, to "take the knee" in a united and consistent stance against racism. "This is also the global gesture against racism that has been adopted by sportspeople across sporting codes because they recognise the power of sport to bring people together." The CSA move is aimed at driving home the point that the board is serious about tackling racism and all forms of discrimination in the game. "After considering all relevant issues, including the freedom of choice of players, the Board had made it clear it was imperative for the team to be seen taking a stand against racism, especially given SA's history. "The Board's view was that while diversity can and should find expression in many facets of daily lives, this did not apply when it came to taking a stand against racism. "The Board will await a further report from team management before deciding on the next steps. All players are expected to follow this directive for the remaining games of the World Cup." The cricket fraternity too reacted to de Kock's sudden decision to pull out of the vital game for his team. Before the start of the match, Indian cricketer Dinesh Karthik tweeted, "Quinton de Kock not playing because of his stand on BLM (Black Lives Matter) movement," with an image of de Kock refusing to take the knee. Former Australia all-rounder Shane Watson said there must be some "internal issues". "Huge shock. There must be something going on internally," Watson said on Star Sports. Former West Indies captain Brian Lara said de Kock's absence will give advantage to West Indies. "It's going to be big advantage West Indies now that de Kock is not playing," Lara said. Earlier in the day, the CSA had stated that "concerns were raised that that the different postures taken by team members in support of the BLM initiative created an unintended perception of disparity or lack of support for the initiative." "Taking the knee is the global gesture against racism adopted by sports persons across the globe." The South African cricketers have been seemingly split on the issue and before their T20 World Cup opener against Australia, players were seen standing, kneeling or raising a fist. Pacer Anrich Nortje and wicketkeeper Heinrich Klaasen stood with their hands behind their backs even as their teammates used different ways to express their support to the 'Black Lives Matter' movement. The Indian cricket team had also taken the knee ahead of its tournament-opener against Pakistan on Sunday. The CSA pledged its support to BLM movement. "Race should not be manipulated to amplify our weaknesses. Diversity can and should find expression in many facets of our daily lives, but not when it comes to taking a stand against racism," CSA Board chairperson Lawson Naidoo said in the statement. "South Africans were recently joined by people across the world in celebrating the 90th birthday of our revered Archbishop Desmond Tutu. "What better tribute from the Proteas to an icon of the struggle for freedom in South Africa than to demonstrate we are working to fulfil his vision of a united South Africa." Former England captain Michael Vaughan offered support to de Kock. "Surely it's down to the individual to decide whether he or she wants to be involved in any movement? A Cricket board should request players to do it but if that individual decides they don't want too (sic) it should not stop them playing the game of Cricket."

CSA orders South Africa players to take knee at T20 WC after Quinton de Kock pulls out of Windies clash

In what can be termed as a ‘Black Lives Matter’ movement effect, two earliest portraits of men of African descent in the history of European art are being exhibited together. &nbsp;&nbsp;

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This is the only known European solo portrait of a black African dating from the 15th/16th century. He was probably a soldier, as his gloves suggest he was accustomed to sword fighting. His name is possibly Christophle le More, a guard of Charles V, but this is not certain. ⚔️ <a href="https://t.co/3QBDoyjidZ">pic.twitter.com/3QBDoyjidZ</a>
— Rijksmuseum (@rijksmuseum) <a href="https://twitter.com/rijksmuseum/status/1442837289814700036?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 28, 2021</a></blockquote>
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This has happened for the first time in the 500-year-old history, the Rijksmuseum’s curators have said. &nbsp;

Watch:&nbsp;

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Over 100 portraits by Renaissance artists are being showcased by the museum in Amsterdam from Tuesday. &nbsp;

The Remember Me exhibition is running until January 16. It features works made between 1470 and 1570. It also examines the reasons that lie behind portraiture, an art form that flourished in the 1500s.

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In it, Albrecht Dürer’s 1508 sketch, which was discovered in the German painter’s workshop at the time of his death, and Jan Jansz Mostaert’s portrait, which dates back to 1525, are being also displayed. &nbsp;

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On asking why it wasn’t done before, Friso Lammertse, curator of 17th century Dutch paintings at the Rijksmuseum, suggested, a relative lack of interest about the pieces seems to have been the reason of their exclusion from such exhibitions.

“Things have changed only really recently, with the Black Lives Matter movement,” Lammertse said. &nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

In what can be termed as a ‘Black Lives Matter’ movement effect, two earliest portraits of men of African descent in the history of European art are being exhibited together.

In what can be termed as a ‘Black Lives Matter’ movement effect, two earliest portraits of men of African descent in the history of European art are being exhibited together. This is the only known European solo portrait of a black African dating from the 15th/16th century. He was probably a soldier, as his gloves suggest he was accustomed to sword fighting. His name is possibly Christophle le More, a guard of Charles V, but this is not certain. ⚔️ pic.twitter.com/3QBDoyjidZ — Rijksmuseum (@rijksmuseum) September 28, 2021 × This has happened for the first time in the 500-year-old history, the Rijksmuseum’s curators have said. Watch: × Over 100 portraits by Renaissance artists are being showcased by the museum in Amsterdam from Tuesday. The Remember Me exhibition is running until January 16. It features works made between 1470 and 1570. It also examines the reasons that lie behind portraiture, an art form that flourished in the 1500s. Also Read: Wandering turtle on runway causes delay at Tokyo airport In it, Albrecht Dürer’s 1508 sketch, which was discovered in the German painter’s workshop at the time of his death, and Jan Jansz Mostaert’s portrait, which dates back to 1525, are being also displayed. Also Read: Smoking weed? Your phone can detect if you’re high on marijuana On asking why it wasn’t done before, Friso Lammertse, curator of 17th century Dutch paintings at the Rijksmuseum, suggested, a relative lack of interest about the pieces seems to have been the reason of their exclusion from such exhibitions. “Things have changed only really recently, with the Black Lives Matter movement,” Lammertse said. (With inputs from agencies)

Black Lives Matter effect: African men portraits by Europeans find space in exhibition for first time  

In the summer of 2020, America burnt in the flames of racial inequality. Millions rallied to tell the world that 'Black Lives Matter' Today, a memorial near the White House serves as a symbol of that movement. Here's a Ground Report by Palki Sharma

Gravitas US Edition: Black Lives Matter Movement: A WION Ground Report

Proud Boys leader Enrique Tarrio has been sentenced to five months in prison for setting a Black Lives Matter banner on fire in Washington as part of protests backing president Donald Trump.

Proud boys leader Enrique Tarrio gets 5 months in jail for burning BLM flag

Missouri Governor Mike Parson said on Tuesday he has granted pardons to Mark and Patricia McCloskey, the St. Louis couple who drew international attention for brandishing guns at racial justice protesters last year.

In addition to the McCloskeys, who are personal injury lawyers, the Republican governor also pardoned 10 other people on Friday, a document from his office showed.

Parson, a Republican,&nbsp;pardoned Mark McCloskey, who&nbsp;pleaded guilty&nbsp;in June to misdemeanor fourth-degree assault and was fined $750, and Patricia McCloskey, who pleaded guilty to misdemeanor harassment and was fined $2,000.

The McCloskeys, both lawyers in their 60s, said they felt threatened by the protesters, who were&nbsp;passing their home&nbsp;in June 2020 on their way to demonstrate in front of the mayor’s house nearby in one of hundreds of similar demonstrations around the country after the killing of George Floyd, a Black man, by a white Minneapolis police officer.

The couple also said the group was trespassing on a private street.

Mark McCloskey emerged from his home with an AR-15-style rifle, and Patricia McCloskey waved a semiautomatic pistol, according to the indictment. Photos and cellphone video captured the confrontation, which drew widespread attention and made the couple heroes to some and villains to others.

A St. Louis grand jury indicted the couple on felony unlawful use of a weapon and tampering charges four months after the incident.

Because the charges were misdemeanors, the McCloskeys did not face the possibility of losing their law licenses or their rights to own firearms.

Last July, then-President Donald Trump, a Republican, said charging the couple was an abuse of power.

In a live broadcast, the McCloskeys spoke from their home at the Republican National Convention in August. Mark McCloskey announced last month he was running for a US&nbsp;Senate seat in Missouri as a Republican.

(With inputs from agencies)

Missouri Governor Mike Parson said on Tuesday he has granted pardons to Mark and Patricia McCloskey, the St. Louis couple who drew international attention for brandishing guns at racial justice protesters last year.

Missouri Governor Mike Parson said on Tuesday he has granted pardons to Mark and Patricia McCloskey, the St. Louis couple who drew international attention for brandishing guns at racial justice protesters last year. In addition to the McCloskeys, who are personal injury lawyers, the Republican governor also pardoned 10 other people on Friday, a document from his office showed. Parson, a Republican, pardoned Mark McCloskey, who pleaded guilty in June to misdemeanor fourth-degree assault and was fined $750, and Patricia McCloskey, who pleaded guilty to misdemeanor harassment and was fined $2,000. The McCloskeys, both lawyers in their 60s, said they felt threatened by the protesters, who were passing their home in June 2020 on their way to demonstrate in front of the mayor’s house nearby in one of hundreds of similar demonstrations around the country after the killing of George Floyd, a Black man, by a white Minneapolis police officer. The couple also said the group was trespassing on a private street. Mark McCloskey emerged from his home with an AR-15-style rifle, and Patricia McCloskey waved a semiautomatic pistol, according to the indictment. Photos and cellphone video captured the confrontation, which drew widespread attention and made the couple heroes to some and villains to others. A St. Louis grand jury indicted the couple on felony unlawful use of a weapon and tampering charges four months after the incident. Because the charges were misdemeanors, the McCloskeys did not face the possibility of losing their law licenses or their rights to own firearms. Last July, then-President Donald Trump, a Republican, said charging the couple was an abuse of power. In a live broadcast, the McCloskeys spoke from their home at the Republican National Convention in August. Mark McCloskey announced last month he was running for a US Senate seat in Missouri as a Republican. (With inputs from agencies)

Missouri Governor Mike Parson pardons St. Louis lawyer couple who brandished guns at protesters

Five police officers from California police force have sued Palo Alto city over Black Lives Matter mural. Their contention is that the mural has anti-police theme and amounted to discrimination, Harassment and retaliation. The officers have held the city responsible for letting the mural form.

News of the lawsuit was first given by Palo Alto Daily Post.

The mural was made on the street during protests over George Floyd's death. George Floyd was and African American man who passed away as a white police officer pressed his knee on his throat while detaining him.

The incident had caused widespread protest against police force that was often considered to use exxcessive force while dealing with people of African-American descent.

As per news reports, the mural was to be removed last November but it hasn't been.

The lawsuit points out that the mural includes logo of New Black Panthers which is categorised as a hate group by Southern Poverty Law Center

The center says that the group encourages violence against police officers, Jews and whites.

Five police officers from California police force have sued Palo Alto city over Black Lives Matter mural. Their contention is that the mural has anti-police theme and amounted to discrimination, Harassment and retaliation.

Five police officers from California police force have sued Palo Alto city over Black Lives Matter mural. Their contention is that the mural has anti-police theme and amounted to discrimination, Harassment and retaliation. The officers have held the city responsible for letting the mural form. News of the lawsuit was first given by Palo Alto Daily Post. The mural was made on the street during protests over George Floyd's death. George Floyd was and African American man who passed away as a white police officer pressed his knee on his throat while detaining him. The incident had caused widespread protest against police force that was often considered to use exxcessive force while dealing with people of African-American descent. As per news reports, the mural was to be removed last November but it hasn't been. The lawsuit points out that the mural includes logo of New Black Panthers which is categorised as a hate group by Southern Poverty Law Center The center says that the group encourages violence against police officers, Jews and whites.

California cops sue Palo Alto city over Black Lives Matter mural

Timeline of the revolution sparked by George Floyd's death

Former policeman Derek Chauvin will serve a prison sentence for 22.5-years for the murder of George Floyd while arresting him back in May last year.

Derek Chauvin sentenced: 22.5-year imprisonment for Derek Chauvin

Americans marked the federal holiday commemorated the emancipation of enslaved African-Americans, called Juneteenth, long a regional holiday in the US South that was given a national spotlight following the Black Lives Matter protests of 2020.

Black Lives Matter: George Floyd statue unveiled in Brooklyn

Juneteenth, also known as Emancipation Day, is annually observed on June 19 to commemorate the day when the Confederate states, in 1865, surrendered to end the Civil War and African-Americans were informed about their long-due freedom.

The day is observed to salute and pay respects to thousands of African-Americans who were held captive and enslaved nearly 400 years ago.

<h3>Declaration of freedom</h3>

On January 01, 1863, the then US President&nbsp;Abraham Lincoln issued an Emancipation Proclamation that stated that anyone and everyone held as slaves in the states "henceforward shall be free". However, many torturers did not disclose this announcement to their African-American slaves and continued employing them in inhumane conditions.

Later, on June 19, 1865, Major general Gordon Granger reached Galveston to make the slaves aware of the end of the Civil War and announce their freedom from their slavery days.

"The people of Texas are informed that, in accordance with a proclamation from the Executive of the United States, all slaves are free. This involves an absolute equality of personal rights and rights of property, between former masters and slaves and the connection heretofore existing between them, becomes that between employer and hired labor. The Freedmen are advised to remain at their present homes and work for wages. They are informed that they will not be allowed to collect at military posts; and they will not be supported in idleness either there or elsewhere," Granger said in his announcement in 1865, as per records made available by the Congressional Research Service.

From 1866, the African-American community started annual celebrations around the date, and that is when the term 'Juneteenth' (a portmanteau of June and nineteenth) was coined. People started organising cookouts, musical performances, cultural gatherings, prayer meetings, reading sessions and much more.

Slowly, as time progressed, the community grew stronger and people started hosting demonstrations and rallies with the aim to raise awareness about the discrimination the African-American communities face around the world, especially in the US.

<h3>Black Lives Matter</h3>

The movement, which was already popular in the US, grew manifolds and became more public last year after the death of an African-American man, George Floyd. In 2020, people took to streets to protest against the rising violence, discrimination and police brutality against the community that has led to deaths of several African-Americans in the US, France and several other countries all around the world.

Last year, under the rule of former US President Donald Trump, the legislation to make Juneteenth a federal holiday was blocked by the Senate, as the Republican Ron Johnson claimed another federal holiday would result in taxpayers paying millions of dollars to give federal government employees an additional holiday.

This roadblock did not come as a surprise under the administration whose leader was infamously accused several times of being a racist white man.

<h3>What’s so special this year?</h3>

This year, the day holds a special meaning as US President Joe Biden signed legislation marking a new holiday for June 19. Describing it as one of the greatest honours he has had, he signed the legislation to make June 19 the 12th federal holiday of the US.

Up till now, Juneteenth was celebrated as a holiday in 47 states and the District of Columbia. It is a paid holiday in Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Texas, Virginia, and Washington state, and now in Ohio.

In addition to the government, several private companies such as JP Morgan, Stanley Black &amp; Decker, Airbnb and a few others have decided to give a floating off, a holiday, or even a paid holiday from 2021 or 2022 to mark Juneteenth and contribute to this wave of change.

Juneteenth, also known as Emancipation Day, is annually observed on June 19 to commemorate the day when the Confederate states, in 1865, surrendered to end the Civil War and African-Americans were informed about their long-due freedom.

Juneteenth, also known as Emancipation Day, is annually observed on June 19 to commemorate the day when the Confederate states, in 1865, surrendered to end the Civil War and African-Americans were informed about their long-due freedom. The day is observed to salute and pay respects to thousands of African-Americans who were held captive and enslaved nearly 400 years ago. Declaration of freedom On January 01, 1863, the then US President Abraham Lincoln issued an Emancipation Proclamation that stated that anyone and everyone held as slaves in the states "henceforward shall be free". However, many torturers did not disclose this announcement to their African-American slaves and continued employing them in inhumane conditions. Later, on June 19, 1865, Major general Gordon Granger reached Galveston to make the slaves aware of the end of the Civil War and announce their freedom from their slavery days. "The people of Texas are informed that, in accordance with a proclamation from the Executive of the United States, all slaves are free. This involves an absolute equality of personal rights and rights of property, between former masters and slaves and the connection heretofore existing between them, becomes that between employer and hired labor. The Freedmen are advised to remain at their present homes and work for wages. They are informed that they will not be allowed to collect at military posts; and they will not be supported in idleness either there or elsewhere," Granger said in his announcement in 1865, as per records made available by the Congressional Research Service. From 1866, the African-American community started annual celebrations around the date, and that is when the term 'Juneteenth' (a portmanteau of June and nineteenth) was coined. People started organising cookouts, musical performances, cultural gatherings, prayer meetings, reading sessions and much more. Slowly, as time progressed, the community grew stronger and people started hosting demonstrations and rallies with the aim to raise awareness about the discrimination the African-American communities face around the world, especially in the US. Black Lives Matter The movement, which was already popular in the US, grew manifolds and became more public last year after the death of an African-American man, George Floyd. In 2020, people took to streets to protest against the rising violence, discrimination and police brutality against the community that has led to deaths of several African-Americans in the US, France and several other countries all around the world. Last year, under the rule of former US President Donald Trump, the legislation to make Juneteenth a federal holiday was blocked by the Senate, as the Republican Ron Johnson claimed another federal holiday would result in taxpayers paying millions of dollars to give federal government employees an additional holiday. This roadblock did not come as a surprise under the administration whose leader was infamously accused several times of being a racist white man. What’s so special this year? This year, the day holds a special meaning as US President Joe Biden signed legislation marking a new holiday for June 19. Describing it as one of the greatest honours he has had, he signed the legislation to make June 19 the 12th federal holiday of the US. Up till now, Juneteenth was celebrated as a holiday in 47 states and the District of Columbia. It is a paid holiday in Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Texas, Virginia, and Washington state, and now in Ohio. In addition to the government, several private companies such as JP Morgan, Stanley Black & Decker, Airbnb and a few others have decided to give a floating off, a holiday, or even a paid holiday from 2021 or 2022 to mark Juneteenth and contribute to this wave of change.

Juneteenth: The African-American community's fight for its rights

The city of Minneapolis on Thursday began reopening the intersection where George Floyd died, which became a memorial to the African American whose killing sparked a racial reckoning but has also been marred by violence.

City workers arrived before daybreak to remove concrete barriers blocking access to the intersection where the 46-year-old was killed by a white police officer who knelt on his neck for more than nine minutes on May 25, 2020.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a data-ctorig="https://www.wionews.com/world/prosecutors-seek-30-year-sentence-in-george-floyd-murder-case-389135" data-cturl="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-element-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/world/prosecutors-seek-30-year-sentence-in-george-floyd-murder-case-389135&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjI05Hz7fvwAhUBH7cAHb0OB48QFjAAegQICRAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw1sasOzasf6weyuZLKwZgjR" dir="ltr" href="https://www.wionews.com/world/prosecutors-seek-30-year-sentence-in-george-floyd-murder-case-389135" target="_blank">Prosecutors seek 30-year sentence in&nbsp;George Floyd&nbsp;murder case</a>

They installed signs to create a roundabout encircling a statue of a huge raised fist erected in the center of what has been renamed "George Floyd Square."

For more than a year, equal rights activists have occupied the square, tying its reopening to the adoption of police reforms. A local residents association was on hand Thursday to defuse tensions with them as the city workers moved in.&nbsp;

The site has become a symbol of the fractures caused by racism and the oppression of Black people across the United States, and is illustrated with numerous murals, and community garden and other installations.&nbsp;

But it has also become a dangerous zone where the police are not welcome.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/one-year-after-floyds-death-family-urges-to-pass-police-reform-bill-388100">WATCH |</a>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/one-year-after-floyds-death-family-urges-to-pass-police-reform-bill-388100/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Shootings are frequent, especially at night, and have resulted in a dozen deaths or injuries in the area in a year, according to law enforcement.&nbsp;

Police are not involved in the operation to reopen the intersection, a spokesman told AFP.&nbsp;

And the city is "taking great care to preserve artwork and artifacts" there, added a city council representative, Sarah McKenzie.

Authorities have long wanted to reopen the intersection but had been waiting for a conclusion in the trial of white police officer Derek Chauvin, who in April was convicted of killing Floyd.

To help the neighborhood bounce back, the Floyd family plans to invest $500,000 out of the $27 million they won in a wrongful death settlement against the city in local economic and cultural groups.

The city of Minneapolis on Thursday began reopening the intersection where George Floyd died, which became a memorial to the African American whose killing sparked a racial reckoning but has also been marred by violence.

The city of Minneapolis on Thursday began reopening the intersection where George Floyd died, which became a memorial to the African American whose killing sparked a racial reckoning but has also been marred by violence. City workers arrived before daybreak to remove concrete barriers blocking access to the intersection where the 46-year-old was killed by a white police officer who knelt on his neck for more than nine minutes on May 25, 2020. Also read | Prosecutors seek 30-year sentence in George Floyd murder case They installed signs to create a roundabout encircling a statue of a huge raised fist erected in the center of what has been renamed "George Floyd Square." For more than a year, equal rights activists have occupied the square, tying its reopening to the adoption of police reforms. A local residents association was on hand Thursday to defuse tensions with them as the city workers moved in. The site has become a symbol of the fractures caused by racism and the oppression of Black people across the United States, and is illustrated with numerous murals, and community garden and other installations. But it has also become a dangerous zone where the police are not welcome. WATCH | Shootings are frequent, especially at night, and have resulted in a dozen deaths or injuries in the area in a year, according to law enforcement. Police are not involved in the operation to reopen the intersection, a spokesman told AFP. And the city is "taking great care to preserve artwork and artifacts" there, added a city council representative, Sarah McKenzie. Authorities have long wanted to reopen the intersection but had been waiting for a conclusion in the trial of white police officer Derek Chauvin, who in April was convicted of killing Floyd. To help the neighborhood bounce back, the Floyd family plans to invest $500,000 out of the $27 million they won in a wrongful death settlement against the city in local economic and cultural groups.

US city of Minneapolis reopens intersection where George Floyd was killed

At the foot of modern buildings on an anonymous street, a few discreet metal plaques catch the eye.&nbsp;

"Grier shoemaker," "Earl real estate", riveted to the ground, they bear the names of Black-owned businesses that once stood there before being destroyed during one of the worst racial massacres in the United States, in 1921.&nbsp;

A rare vestige of a neighborhood so prosperous it was called Black Wall Street, the plaques prove that the history of Greenwood, a historically Black neighborhood of Tulsa, Oklahoma, is understood not by the monuments that currently stand, but the ones that are no longer there.&nbsp;

On the eve of a visit from President Joe Biden, popular with African-American voters, who will attend Tuesday's commemorations of the 100th anniversary of the massacre, and after a year marked by the Black Lives Matter movement, the killings resonate with current events more than ever.&nbsp;

"They came over and destroyed Greenwood and burned everything down," Bobby Eaton, 86, a neighborhood resident and former civil rights activist, told AFP.&nbsp;

A century ago, in the southern US town, the arrest of a young Black man accused of assaulting a white woman sparked one of the worst outpourings of racial violence ever seen in the country.&nbsp;

On May 31, 1921, after the arrest of Dick Rowland, hundreds of furious white people gathered outside the Tulsa courthouse, signalling to Black residents that a lynching, a common practice at the time and until as recently as the 1960s, was imminent.&nbsp;

A group of African-American World War I veterans, some of them armed, mobilised in an attempt to protect Rowland.&nbsp;

Tensions spiked and shots were fired. Fewer in number, the African-American residents retreated to Greenwood, known at the time for its economic prosperity and many businesses.&nbsp;

The next day, at dawn, white men looted and burned the buildings, chasing down and beating Black people living there. All day long, they ransacked Black Wall Street -- police not only did not intervene but joined in the destruction -- until nothing was left but ruins and ashes, killing up to 300 people in the process. The destruction left some 10,000 people homeless.&nbsp;

With a blue cap on his head and a T-shirt commemorating the massacre's centennial pulled over his shirt, Eaton feels marked by this event that he never saw but heard so much about as a child in his father's barber shop.&nbsp;

"I learned a lot about the riots as a very young person, that has never left my memory," he said.&nbsp;

In his opinion, as with many others in the neighborhood, it was the African-American prosperity that sparked the destruction. "That caused a great amount of jealousy, and it's still doing so.&nbsp;

"That mentality that destroyed Greenwood to begin with, to a great extent still exists right here in Tulsa," Eaton said.&nbsp;

Even 100 years after the massacre, racial tensions remain high.&nbsp;

In the Black Wall Street Liquid Lounge, a coffee shop named, like many businesses in Greenwood, in homage to the neighborhood's golden age, Kode Ransom, a 32-year-old African-American man, sports long dreadlocks and a big smile as he greets customers.&nbsp;

A happy co-manager of the business, he has one regret: not owning the walls around him.&nbsp;

"People hear 'Black Wall Street,' they think that it's completely controlled by Black people. It's actually not," he said.&nbsp;

Ransom estimates that about 20 African-American-owned businesses exist in Greenwood, and they all pay rent.&nbsp;

"We don't own the land," he said.&nbsp;

An urban planning policy, called urban renewal, carried out by the Tulsa city council since the 1960s, has had the effect of driving out African-American owners whose houses or businesses, deemed dilapidated, were demolished to make way for new buildings.&nbsp;

The construction of a seven-lane highway through the middle of the main street finished disfiguring the neighborhood.&nbsp;

"At the time when Greenwood was Greenwood, you had 40 blocks, and now it's all being condensed down to half of a street... and even on that half of a street it's still not really just Black Wall Street," said Ransom, sighing.&nbsp;

A few meters from the cafe, in the Greenwood Art Gallery, manager Queen Alexander, 31, arranges the exhibited paintings, which celebrate African-American culture.&nbsp;

She also pays rent -- and it's about to go up by 30 per cent. The opening of a large museum dedicated to the neighborhood's history, the Greenwood Rising History Center, which will officially open on Wednesday, has caused rent for the surrounding businesses to increase.&nbsp;

One of her acquaintances, who had run a beauty salon in Greenwood for more than 40 years, was evicted. "She couldn't afford the rent," said Alexander.&nbsp;

Outside the bay windows of her gallery, Alexander observes the gentrification at work.&nbsp;

"You do see now white people walking their dogs, and riding their bikes, in neighborhoods that you would never have seen them before," she said, noting the opening of a baseball field, a Starbucks and "a college that I probably couldn't afford.&nbsp;

For her, Greenwood without its African-American owners and historic buildings is no longer really Black Wall Street but "Greenwood district with some Black business leases."&nbsp;

And "if we all get evicted tomorrow, this is white Wall Street."&nbsp;

At the foot of modern buildings on an anonymous street, a few discreet metal plaques catch the eye. "Grier shoemaker," "Earl real estate", riveted to the ground, they bear the names of Black-owned businesses that once stood there before being destroyed during one of the worst racial massacres in the United States, in 1921.

At the foot of modern buildings on an anonymous street, a few discreet metal plaques catch the eye. "Grier shoemaker," "Earl real estate", riveted to the ground, they bear the names of Black-owned businesses that once stood there before being destroyed during one of the worst racial massacres in the United States, in 1921. A rare vestige of a neighborhood so prosperous it was called Black Wall Street, the plaques prove that the history of Greenwood, a historically Black neighborhood of Tulsa, Oklahoma, is understood not by the monuments that currently stand, but the ones that are no longer there. On the eve of a visit from President Joe Biden, popular with African-American voters, who will attend Tuesday's commemorations of the 100th anniversary of the massacre, and after a year marked by the Black Lives Matter movement, the killings resonate with current events more than ever. "They came over and destroyed Greenwood and burned everything down," Bobby Eaton, 86, a neighborhood resident and former civil rights activist, told AFP. A century ago, in the southern US town, the arrest of a young Black man accused of assaulting a white woman sparked one of the worst outpourings of racial violence ever seen in the country. On May 31, 1921, after the arrest of Dick Rowland, hundreds of furious white people gathered outside the Tulsa courthouse, signalling to Black residents that a lynching, a common practice at the time and until as recently as the 1960s, was imminent. A group of African-American World War I veterans, some of them armed, mobilised in an attempt to protect Rowland. Tensions spiked and shots were fired. Fewer in number, the African-American residents retreated to Greenwood, known at the time for its economic prosperity and many businesses. The next day, at dawn, white men looted and burned the buildings, chasing down and beating Black people living there. All day long, they ransacked Black Wall Street -- police not only did not intervene but joined in the destruction -- until nothing was left but ruins and ashes, killing up to 300 people in the process. The destruction left some 10,000 people homeless. With a blue cap on his head and a T-shirt commemorating the massacre's centennial pulled over his shirt, Eaton feels marked by this event that he never saw but heard so much about as a child in his father's barber shop. "I learned a lot about the riots as a very young person, that has never left my memory," he said. In his opinion, as with many others in the neighborhood, it was the African-American prosperity that sparked the destruction. "That caused a great amount of jealousy, and it's still doing so. "That mentality that destroyed Greenwood to begin with, to a great extent still exists right here in Tulsa," Eaton said. Even 100 years after the massacre, racial tensions remain high. In the Black Wall Street Liquid Lounge, a coffee shop named, like many businesses in Greenwood, in homage to the neighborhood's golden age, Kode Ransom, a 32-year-old African-American man, sports long dreadlocks and a big smile as he greets customers. A happy co-manager of the business, he has one regret: not owning the walls around him. "People hear 'Black Wall Street,' they think that it's completely controlled by Black people. It's actually not," he said. Ransom estimates that about 20 African-American-owned businesses exist in Greenwood, and they all pay rent. "We don't own the land," he said. An urban planning policy, called urban renewal, carried out by the Tulsa city council since the 1960s, has had the effect of driving out African-American owners whose houses or businesses, deemed dilapidated, were demolished to make way for new buildings. The construction of a seven-lane highway through the middle of the main street finished disfiguring the neighborhood. "At the time when Greenwood was Greenwood, you had 40 blocks, and now it's all being condensed down to half of a street... and even on that half of a street it's still not really just Black Wall Street," said Ransom, sighing. A few meters from the cafe, in the Greenwood Art Gallery, manager Queen Alexander, 31, arranges the exhibited paintings, which celebrate African-American culture. She also pays rent -- and it's about to go up by 30 per cent. The opening of a large museum dedicated to the neighborhood's history, the Greenwood Rising History Center, which will officially open on Wednesday, has caused rent for the surrounding businesses to increase. One of her acquaintances, who had run a beauty salon in Greenwood for more than 40 years, was evicted. "She couldn't afford the rent," said Alexander. Outside the bay windows of her gallery, Alexander observes the gentrification at work. "You do see now white people walking their dogs, and riding their bikes, in neighborhoods that you would never have seen them before," she said, noting the opening of a baseball field, a Starbucks and "a college that I probably couldn't afford. For her, Greenwood without its African-American owners and historic buildings is no longer really Black Wall Street but "Greenwood district with some Black business leases." And "if we all get evicted tomorrow, this is white Wall Street."

100 years after Tulsa race massacre, African Americans still feel outcast 

An 18-year-old London man was charged with conspiracy to murder in connection with the shooting of Black Lives Matter activist Sasha Johnson, who remained hospitalised in critical condition, British police said on Friday. 
 
Cameron Deriggs will appear at Westminster Magistrates` Court on Saturday, London`s Metropolitan Police said in a statement. Deriggs was one of five men arrested in the case on Wednesday on suspicion of attempted murder. The other four were released on bail until next month. 
 
Johnson, a 27-year-old mother of two, was at a party on Sunday when four men burst in and opened fire, media reports have said. 
 
Johnson has been a leading figure in the Black Lives Matter movement in Britain and is a member of the Taking the Initiative Party`s executive leadership committee. 
&nbsp;

An 18-year-old London man was charged with conspiracy to murder in connection with the shooting of Black Lives Matter activist Sasha Johnson, who remained hospitalised in critical condition, British police said on Friday.

An 18-year-old London man was charged with conspiracy to murder in connection with the shooting of Black Lives Matter activist Sasha Johnson, who remained hospitalised in critical condition, British police said on Friday. Cameron Deriggs will appear at Westminster Magistrates` Court on Saturday, London`s Metropolitan Police said in a statement. Deriggs was one of five men arrested in the case on Wednesday on suspicion of attempted murder. The other four were released on bail until next month. Johnson, a 27-year-old mother of two, was at a party on Sunday when four men burst in and opened fire, media reports have said. Johnson has been a leading figure in the Black Lives Matter movement in Britain and is a member of the Taking the Initiative Party`s executive leadership committee.

London man charged in shooting of Black Lives Matter activist

A white woman who had falsely accused a Black man of threatening her is now suing her employer for dismissing her from the job.

Amy Cooper used to work at Franklin Templeton, a financial advisory firm, but was fired from her job for being 'racist'.

She claims the accusations made by her employer are completely false.

Also read |&nbsp;<a data-ctorig="https://www.wionews.com/world/amy-cooper-charged-with-falsely-accusing-black-man-of-assaulting-335475" data-cturl="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-element-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/world/amy-cooper-charged-with-falsely-accusing-black-man-of-assaulting-335475&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjQqvCRnOnwAhUQzIsBHTEdD4YQFjAAegQIBRAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw2wCC5jDGEo8aLbdJ2gJPut" dir="ltr" href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-element-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/world/amy-cooper-charged-with-falsely-accusing-black-man-of-assaulting-335475&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjQqvCRnOnwAhUQzIsBHTEdD4YQFjAAegQIBRAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw2wCC5jDGEo8aLbdJ2gJPut" target="_blank">Amy Cooper&nbsp;charged with falsely accusing Black man of assaulting</a>

Cooper has decided to sue her employer for this and has filed a complaint in Manhattan federal court on Tuesday. She claims the company’s actions have "caused her such severe emotional distress that she was suicidal".

Once criticised all over the world for being a racist, Cooper is now accusing her employer of being a racist and is seeking damages for defamation, intentional infliction of emotional distress and negligence, as per Reuters.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/dont-know-if-her-life-needed-to-be-torn-apart-what-mr-cooper-thinks-of-his-now-famous-racist-encounter-with-a-white-lady-301647">'Don’t know if her life needed to be torn apart': What Mr Cooper thinks of his now-famous racist encounter with a white lady</a>

The ground for Cooper's dismissal is her racist incident from May 2020. Cooper had called the police against "an African American man threatening my life" after a Black birdwatcher had advised her to put her dog back on a leash as unleashed dogs were not permitted in the park.

Cooper was fired from her job a day after a video of the incident was shared on social media. A few hours later, she was also charged with filing a false police report.

A white woman who had falsely accused a Black man of threatening her is now suing her employer for dismissing her from the job. Amy Cooper used to work at Franklin Templeton, a financial advisory firm, but was fired from her job for being 'racist'.

A white woman who had falsely accused a Black man of threatening her is now suing her employer for dismissing her from the job. Amy Cooper used to work at Franklin Templeton, a financial advisory firm, but was fired from her job for being 'racist'. She claims the accusations made by her employer are completely false. Also read | Amy Cooper charged with falsely accusing Black man of assaulting Cooper has decided to sue her employer for this and has filed a complaint in Manhattan federal court on Tuesday. She claims the company’s actions have "caused her such severe emotional distress that she was suicidal". Once criticised all over the world for being a racist, Cooper is now accusing her employer of being a racist and is seeking damages for defamation, intentional infliction of emotional distress and negligence, as per Reuters. Also read | 'Don’t know if her life needed to be torn apart': What Mr Cooper thinks of his now-famous racist encounter with a white lady The ground for Cooper's dismissal is her racist incident from May 2020. Cooper had called the police against "an African American man threatening my life" after a Black birdwatcher had advised her to put her dog back on a leash as unleashed dogs were not permitted in the park. Cooper was fired from her job a day after a video of the incident was shared on social media. A few hours later, she was also charged with filing a false police report.

Woman who falsely accused Black man of threatening her, now sues employer for 'racism'

A US judge postponed the trial of three former Minneapolis policemen accused of taking part in the murder of George Floyd to March 2022 after they said that prosecutors leaked prejudicial information about the case, according to media reports.

Tou Thao, 25, J. Alexander Kueng, 27, and Thomas Lane, 28, all fired and arrested days after Floyd was killed on May 25, have been charged with aiding and abetting the second-degree murder and second-degree manslaughter.

Former Minneapolis policeman Derek Chauvin was convicted on April 20 of murdering Floyd, 46, by kneeling on his neck for more than nine minutes, in a case that marked a milestone in America's fraught racial history and a rebuke of law enforcement’s treatment of Black Americans. The death, captured on cellphone video, led to protests around the nation and overseas.

On Thursday, attorneys for Thao, Kueng and Lane raised concerns that information had been leaked that would taint the jury pool, and that a key witness was coerced into amending his findings.

The attorneys said prosecutors leaked "damning" information to the New York Times about Chauvin's supposed plan to plead guilty and asked Hennepin County District Judge Peter Cahill to sanction prosecutors, including state Attorney General Keith Ellison.

In a statement, Ellison had earlier called the leak allegation "completely false and an outlandish attempt to disparage the prosecution."

Cahill postponed the trial from August 2021 to March 2022, the Wall Street Journal and other news media reported.

On May 25, Kueng and Lane were the first officers to arrive outside the food store where Floyd was accused of passing a counterfeit $20 bill to buy cigarettes. Thao arrived on the scene with Chauvin after Floyd had already been handcuffed.

Thao, Kueng, and Lane were not present at Thursday's hearing, and no cameras were permitted in the courtroom.

Thao's defence attorney also asked Cahill to drop all charges against Thao, and to rule that Andrew Baker, the Hennepin County medical examiner, was coerced into saying that Floyd died of asphyxiation.

According to the motion the attorney filed before the hearing, Dr. Roger Mitchell, Washington, D.C.'s chief medical examiner, was planning to write an opinion piece critical of Baker's initial findings. Thao's legal team claimed Baker had changed his findings to avoid controversy, and that prosecutors knew about it.

(With inputs from agencies)

A US judge postponed the trial of three former Minneapolis policemen accused of taking part in the murder of George Floyd to March 2022 after they said that prosecutors leaked prejudicial information about the case, according to media reports.

A US judge postponed the trial of three former Minneapolis policemen accused of taking part in the murder of George Floyd to March 2022 after they said that prosecutors leaked prejudicial information about the case, according to media reports. Tou Thao, 25, J. Alexander Kueng, 27, and Thomas Lane, 28, all fired and arrested days after Floyd was killed on May 25, have been charged with aiding and abetting the second-degree murder and second-degree manslaughter. Former Minneapolis policeman Derek Chauvin was convicted on April 20 of murdering Floyd, 46, by kneeling on his neck for more than nine minutes, in a case that marked a milestone in America's fraught racial history and a rebuke of law enforcement’s treatment of Black Americans. The death, captured on cellphone video, led to protests around the nation and overseas. On Thursday, attorneys for Thao, Kueng and Lane raised concerns that information had been leaked that would taint the jury pool, and that a key witness was coerced into amending his findings. The attorneys said prosecutors leaked "damning" information to the New York Times about Chauvin's supposed plan to plead guilty and asked Hennepin County District Judge Peter Cahill to sanction prosecutors, including state Attorney General Keith Ellison. In a statement, Ellison had earlier called the leak allegation "completely false and an outlandish attempt to disparage the prosecution." Cahill postponed the trial from August 2021 to March 2022, the Wall Street Journal and other news media reported. On May 25, Kueng and Lane were the first officers to arrive outside the food store where Floyd was accused of passing a counterfeit $20 bill to buy cigarettes. Thao arrived on the scene with Chauvin after Floyd had already been handcuffed. Thao, Kueng, and Lane were not present at Thursday's hearing, and no cameras were permitted in the courtroom. Thao's defence attorney also asked Cahill to drop all charges against Thao, and to rule that Andrew Baker, the Hennepin County medical examiner, was coerced into saying that Floyd died of asphyxiation. According to the motion the attorney filed before the hearing, Dr. Roger Mitchell, Washington, D.C.'s chief medical examiner, was planning to write an opinion piece critical of Baker's initial findings. Thao's legal team claimed Baker had changed his findings to avoid controversy, and that prosecutors knew about it. (With inputs from agencies)

George Floyd case: US judge postpones trial for three ex-cops

Three white men accused over the death of African-American jogger Ahmaud Arbery pleaded not guilty on Tuesday to hate crime charges and attempted kidnapping.

Arbery was shot dead in February last year as he was jogging in a residential neighborhood of Brunswick, Georgia, in an incident that further fuelled anger over allegedly racist killings of Black Americans.

The three men, who later told police they suspected he was a burglar, chased him before one of the group fatally shot him.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/after-a-year-of-ahmaud-arberys-killing-his-mother-files-lawsuit-365773">After a year of Ahmaud Arbery's killing, his mother files lawsuit</a>

Gregory McMichael, 65, his son Travis, 35, and William Bryan, 51, appeared before a federal judge who explained the new charges brought against them two weeks ago.

"There is absolutely nothing in the indictment that identifies how this is a federal hate crime," their lawyers said in a statement.

The three men were earlier charged with murder and false imprisonment. Their trial is due to open on October 18.

Also read|&nbsp;<a data-ctorig="https://www.wionews.com/world/black-jogger-ahmaud-arberys-alleged-killers-plead-not-guilty-314095" data-cturl="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-element-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/world/black-jogger-ahmaud-arberys-alleged-killers-plead-not-guilty-314095&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjTkNCBt4HvAhUyzjgGHVj9BlcQFjAGegQIAxAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw1Q6Fh7F2hgLJVxdTq83Lit" dir="ltr" href="https://www.wionews.com/world/black-jogger-ahmaud-arberys-alleged-killers-plead-not-guilty-314095" target="_blank">Black jogger&nbsp;Ahmaud Arbery's&nbsp;alleged killers plead not guilty</a>

A prosecutor initially given the case concluded that Arbery's killers were legally armed under Georgia's open carry law and were within their rights to chase him under a citizen's arrest statute.

Georgia on Monday repealed its citizen's arrest law, a move prompted by Arbery's death.

Arbery, who would have turned 27 on Saturday, "was the victim of vigilante-style violence that has no place in our country or in our state," said Governor Brian Kemp as he signed the repeal.

The deaths of Arbery and George Floyd, an African American murdered by a white police officer in Minneapolis in May last year, became emblematic of the Black Lives Matter movement against violence targeting African Americans.

Three white men accused over the death of African-American jogger Ahmaud Arbery pleaded not guilty on Tuesday to hate crime charges and attempted kidnapping. Arbery was shot dead in February last year as he was jogging in a residential neighborhood of Brunswick, Georgia, in an incident that further fuelled anger over allegedly racist killings of Black Americans.

Three white men accused over the death of African-American jogger Ahmaud Arbery pleaded not guilty on Tuesday to hate crime charges and attempted kidnapping. Arbery was shot dead in February last year as he was jogging in a residential neighborhood of Brunswick, Georgia, in an incident that further fuelled anger over allegedly racist killings of Black Americans. The three men, who later told police they suspected he was a burglar, chased him before one of the group fatally shot him. Also read | After a year of Ahmaud Arbery's killing, his mother files lawsuit Gregory McMichael, 65, his son Travis, 35, and William Bryan, 51, appeared before a federal judge who explained the new charges brought against them two weeks ago. "There is absolutely nothing in the indictment that identifies how this is a federal hate crime," their lawyers said in a statement. The three men were earlier charged with murder and false imprisonment. Their trial is due to open on October 18. Also read| Black jogger Ahmaud Arbery's alleged killers plead not guilty A prosecutor initially given the case concluded that Arbery's killers were legally armed under Georgia's open carry law and were within their rights to chase him under a citizen's arrest statute. Georgia on Monday repealed its citizen's arrest law, a move prompted by Arbery's death. Arbery, who would have turned 27 on Saturday, "was the victim of vigilante-style violence that has no place in our country or in our state," said Governor Brian Kemp as he signed the repeal. The deaths of Arbery and George Floyd, an African American murdered by a white police officer in Minneapolis in May last year, became emblematic of the Black Lives Matter movement against violence targeting African Americans.

3 white men accused in killing of Black US jogger deny hate charges

These are times when a positive change is taking over the world and one such example is of Liverpool which has collectively elected its first-ever Black female mayor.

Joanne Anderson, a 50-year-old, became the first woman and first Black female mayor to lead the city by winning 59 per cent (46,493) of the total votes against her opponent Stephen Yip.

The six-foot-tall, Labour member promised the take the city on a "restorative path" and assured that Liverpool will have "the best accountability and transparency structures in the country".

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The first black woman to be directly-elected Mayor in the UK, and the first female Mayor of Liverpool. 
 
History made 🌹 <a href="https://t.co/7WyNI01OCb">pic.twitter.com/7WyNI01OCb</a>
— Joanne Anderson (@Joanne4Mayor) <a href="https://twitter.com/Joanne4Mayor/status/1390698217566838785?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 7, 2021</a></blockquote>
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She also apologised to the locals of Liverpool for the ‘political scandal’ that had shaken the city in December after the former mayor was arrested over corruption claims, which he denies.

She also acknowledged her record of being the first female and Black mayor and thanked the city locals for helping her achieve it. "Liverpool has always been a city of firsts – one that does things differently and that charters its own path. Today, we made history," she said.

Anderson also opened up about how she had not ever intended to enter the world of politics or contest for Mayor. "It hasn’t been a lifelong ambition, but I could see our city was in peril," she explained.

Sharing her experiences of bankruptcy she promised to bring the city out of the financial crisis caused due to the coronavirus pandemic. She also assured to continue raising her voice for violence against women and girls and promote equality and diversity in the city.

However, she has also announced her support for the campaign of scrapping mayoralty, for which a referendum will be held in 2023 on the continuation of the role.

These are times when a positive change is taking over the world and one such example is of Liverpool which has collectively elected its first-ever Black female mayor.

These are times when a positive change is taking over the world and one such example is of Liverpool which has collectively elected its first-ever Black female mayor. Joanne Anderson, a 50-year-old, became the first woman and first Black female mayor to lead the city by winning 59 per cent (46,493) of the total votes against her opponent Stephen Yip. The six-foot-tall, Labour member promised the take the city on a "restorative path" and assured that Liverpool will have "the best accountability and transparency structures in the country". The first black woman to be directly-elected Mayor in the UK, and the first female Mayor of Liverpool. History made 🌹 pic.twitter.com/7WyNI01OCb — Joanne Anderson (@Joanne4Mayor) May 7, 2021 × She also apologised to the locals of Liverpool for the ‘political scandal’ that had shaken the city in December after the former mayor was arrested over corruption claims, which he denies. She also acknowledged her record of being the first female and Black mayor and thanked the city locals for helping her achieve it. "Liverpool has always been a city of firsts – one that does things differently and that charters its own path. Today, we made history," she said. Anderson also opened up about how she had not ever intended to enter the world of politics or contest for Mayor. "It hasn’t been a lifelong ambition, but I could see our city was in peril," she explained. Sharing her experiences of bankruptcy she promised to bring the city out of the financial crisis caused due to the coronavirus pandemic. She also assured to continue raising her voice for violence against women and girls and promote equality and diversity in the city. However, she has also announced her support for the campaign of scrapping mayoralty, for which a referendum will be held in 2023 on the continuation of the role.

'City of firsts': Liverpool elects first ever black female mayor

This is the phase when people are rethinking old traditions and correcting them wherever needed to spread the message of equality and peace.

One such example is this year’s performance on May Day put up by members of the Hook Eagle Morris Men in Hampshire, UK.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/thousands-join-may-day-protests-across-france-police-arrest-34-382021">Thousands join May Day protests across France, police arrest 34</a>

The dance is usually performed by members who paint their faces black. However, this year, following concerns over racism, the group members changed the colour of face paint from black to blue.

A year after the ‘Black lives matter’ movement took over the world, members of the Hook Eagle Morris Men performed near the Hook village in Hampshire to mark the May Day dawn.

Check out |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/may-1-history-and-significance-of-international-workers-day-381955">May 1: History and significance of International Workers' Day</a>

Their change of face paint colour came after the Joint Morris Organisation urged dancing groups to eliminate the use of full-face black makeup and paint, in consideration of the Black lives matter movement.

“It’s by far and away the biggest if not really the only change we’ve experienced," said John Ellis, a 70-year-old dancer who has been with the group since the start, in 1991.

Members in different areas adopted different colours of paint this year. Some decided to paint their faces green, while others adopted yellow and black striped design.

The original idea behind covering the face was to be able to beg by disguising themselves, back in the 1400s, as begging was illegal at that time. However, the trend died out after a bit and was revived by a group of dancers.

“We adopted this idea because the dancing is really easy, good fun and we quite like the idea of dancing in disguise,” Ellis said.

This year, the group also maintained social distancing and avoided touching and hugging during the performance, due to coronavirus restrictions.

This is the phase when people are rethinking old traditions and correcting them wherever needed to spread the message of equality and peace. One such example is this year’s performance on May Day put up by members of the Hook Eagle Morris Men in Hampshire, UK.

This is the phase when people are rethinking old traditions and correcting them wherever needed to spread the message of equality and peace. One such example is this year’s performance on May Day put up by members of the Hook Eagle Morris Men in Hampshire, UK. Also read | Thousands join May Day protests across France, police arrest 34 The dance is usually performed by members who paint their faces black. However, this year, following concerns over racism, the group members changed the colour of face paint from black to blue. A year after the ‘Black lives matter’ movement took over the world, members of the Hook Eagle Morris Men performed near the Hook village in Hampshire to mark the May Day dawn. Check out | May 1: History and significance of International Workers' Day Their change of face paint colour came after the Joint Morris Organisation urged dancing groups to eliminate the use of full-face black makeup and paint, in consideration of the Black lives matter movement. “It’s by far and away the biggest if not really the only change we’ve experienced," said John Ellis, a 70-year-old dancer who has been with the group since the start, in 1991. Members in different areas adopted different colours of paint this year. Some decided to paint their faces green, while others adopted yellow and black striped design. The original idea behind covering the face was to be able to beg by disguising themselves, back in the 1400s, as begging was illegal at that time. However, the trend died out after a bit and was revived by a group of dancers. “We adopted this idea because the dancing is really easy, good fun and we quite like the idea of dancing in disguise,” Ellis said. This year, the group also maintained social distancing and avoided touching and hugging during the performance, due to coronavirus restrictions.

May Day: Morris Dancers turn blue over racism concerns

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