<p>The FBI has dismissed a group of agents who were photographed kneeling at a racial justice protest following the death of George Floyd, CBS News reported.</p><h2><strong>Why were the agents sacked?</strong></h2><p>Termination letters reportedly cited a “lack of judgment” in their actions. Between 15 and 20 agents are believed to have been removed. They were pictured kneeling with demonstrators in 2020, after Floyd was killed by police officer Derek Chauvin in Minneapolis.</p><p><strong>Also read: </strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/pete-hegseth-mocked-for-calling-generals-for-meeting-that-could-have-been-an-email-1759057217818"><strong>'WEAK, NO BRAINS, NO TALENT': Pete Hegseth mocked for calling generals for meeting that ‘could have been an email’</strong></a></p><h2><strong>Kneeling became a symbol of protest</strong></h2><p>Floyd’s death, caused by Chauvin pressing his knee on his neck for more than nine minutes, sparked worldwide outrage and protests against police brutality. Chauvin is now serving a 22-and-a-half-year sentence for murder.</p><p>Kneeling had already been used in the US as a symbol of dissent against racism, most notably by NFL quarterback Colin Kaepernick. At the time of the demonstrations, some officers and agents argued that kneeling was a way to calm tensions with protesters, rather than an endorsement of their views.</p><h2><strong>FBI faces internal backlash</strong></h2><p>The FBI Agents Association condemned the dismissals, saying the agents’ rights had been violated. In its statement, it accused FBI Director Kash Patel of a “dangerous new pattern of actions” that was “weakening the Bureau” and making it harder to attract and keep experienced staff.</p><p>The reported firings come as the Trump administration moves to remove what it calls left-wing or “woke” influences from across the federal government.</p><h2><strong>Wider purge at the Bureau</strong></h2><p>The sackings are the latest in a string of high-level departures at the agency. Former acting director Brian Driscoll, former Washington field office head Steven Jensen, and Spencer Evans, the former Las Vegas field office chief, were all removed recently.</p><p>Earlier this month, the three men filed a lawsuit against Patel and US Attorney General Pam Bondi, alleging they were dismissed to please Donald Trump.</p>

The FBI has reportedly dismissed 15–20 agents for kneeling at a 2020 George Floyd protest, citing poor judgement. The firings sparked backlash, with critics accusing the Bureau of political purges.

The FBI has dismissed a group of agents who were photographed kneeling at a racial justice protest following the death of George Floyd, CBS News reported. Why were the agents sacked? Termination letters reportedly cited a “lack of judgment” in their actions. Between 15 and 20 agents are believed to have been removed. They were pictured kneeling with demonstrators in 2020, after Floyd was killed by police officer Derek Chauvin in Minneapolis. Also read: 'WEAK, NO BRAINS, NO TALENT': Pete Hegseth mocked for calling generals for meeting that ‘could have been an email’ Kneeling became a symbol of protest Floyd’s death, caused by Chauvin pressing his knee on his neck for more than nine minutes, sparked worldwide outrage and protests against police brutality. Chauvin is now serving a 22-and-a-half-year sentence for murder. Kneeling had already been used in the US as a symbol of dissent against racism, most notably by NFL quarterback Colin Kaepernick. At the time of the demonstrations, some officers and agents argued that kneeling was a way to calm tensions with protesters, rather than an endorsement of their views. FBI faces internal backlash The FBI Agents Association condemned the dismissals, saying the agents’ rights had been violated. In its statement, it accused FBI Director Kash Patel of a “dangerous new pattern of actions” that was “weakening the Bureau” and making it harder to attract and keep experienced staff. The reported firings come as the Trump administration moves to remove what it calls left-wing or “woke” influences from across the federal government. Wider purge at the Bureau The sackings are the latest in a string of high-level departures at the agency. Former acting director Brian Driscoll, former Washington field office head Steven Jensen, and Spencer Evans, the former Las Vegas field office chief, were all removed recently. Earlier this month, the three men filed a lawsuit against Patel and US Attorney General Pam Bondi, alleging they were dismissed to please Donald Trump.

<p>The FBI has reportedly dismissed 15–20 agents for kneeling at a 2020 George Floyd protest, citing poor judgement. The firings sparked backlash, with critics accusing the Bureau of political purges.</p>

'Weakening the Bureau': FBI fires agents who 'bent the knee' during George Floyd protests amid anti-woke crackdown

Brussels added to its large collection of murals on Thursday (June 18) with a newly commissioned work in memory of African-American George Floyd, whose killing by police has sparked global protests against racism and police violence.

Brussels adds George Floyd memorial to large mural collection

Across Georgia, protests are filling the streets and voices are being lifted and heard. In Atlanta, youth rallies were held after days of protests left the city on edge.

Young voices take the lead at Georgia protests

<p>Three weeks after George Floyd died in police custody in Minneapolis City, anti-racist protesters across the US say that their work is far from over. They keep on criticizing entrenched bias in law authorization and call for major reforms in it.</p>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-anti-racism-movement-another-black-man-killed-in-us-306137/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

<p>The momentum against racism and police brutality is growing with every passing day. Westbound traffic on the Bay Bridge was at a standstill on Sunday evening for nearly two hours after all lanes were blocked by protesters.</p>

<p>Multiple local news outlets reported that protesters spray-painted "BLM," the initials to Black Lives Matter, onto the bridge in yellow before being stopped by authorities</p>

<p>In Detroit, thousands of protesters marched through the streets. One demonstrator covered the statue of General Alexander Macomb. He was the Commanding General of the United States Army from May 29, 1828, until his death on June 25, 1841.</p>

<p>In Chicago, protesters organised the drag march for a change, with drag queens speaking in support of the black lives matter movement.&nbsp;</p>

<p>&nbsp;Floyd's death was not an isolated incident the united states has been accused of systemic racism and unjustified use of force.</p>

<p>Another death over the weekend underlined these allegations.</p>

<p>Another black man Rayshard Brooks, 27, was fatally shot by police at a Wendy's drive-thru after officials said he resisted arrest and stole an officer's Taser.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Mass protests followed Rayshard's death, protesters set ablaze the wendy's outside which Rayshard was shot. Experts say that the use of the deadly force was unjustified.</p>

<p>One lawyer points at qualified immunity behind these police shootouts.</p>

<p>Lawyer Jeff Storms says that &nbsp;"and what qualified immunity is, is that if you sue a police officer for violation of constitutional rights, they have this immunity where, if their behaviour was not done in almost an exact way before, even though they've violated someone's constitutional rights, they cannot be held civilly viable."</p>

<p>Floyd's death has also sparked the call for defunding the police.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The Minneapolis city council has passed a resolution. The city will be replacing the police department with a community-led public safety wing. Trump tweeted calling the move 'crazy'&nbsp;</p>

<p>Supporters of the anti-racist movement have called for the action as one step toward combating what they view as institutionalized racism within police departments.</p>

<p>After this huge unrest in the United States, one thing is clear that once this movement blows over, policing in the US Will never be the same again.&nbsp;</p>


Three weeks after George Floyd died in police custody in Minneapolis City, anti-racist protesters across the US say that their work is far from over. They keep on criticizing entrenched bias in law authorization and call for major reforms in it.

Three weeks after George Floyd died in police custody in Minneapolis City, anti-racist protesters across the US say that their work is far from over. They keep on criticizing entrenched bias in law authorization and call for major reforms in it. The momentum against racism and police brutality is growing with every passing day. Westbound traffic on the Bay Bridge was at a standstill on Sunday evening for nearly two hours after all lanes were blocked by protesters. Multiple local news outlets reported that protesters spray-painted "BLM," the initials to Black Lives Matter, onto the bridge in yellow before being stopped by authorities In Detroit, thousands of protesters marched through the streets. One demonstrator covered the statue of General Alexander Macomb. He was the Commanding General of the United States Army from May 29, 1828, until his death on June 25, 1841. In Chicago, protesters organised the drag march for a change, with drag queens speaking in support of the black lives matter movement. Floyd's death was not an isolated incident the united states has been accused of systemic racism and unjustified use of force. Another death over the weekend underlined these allegations. Another black man Rayshard Brooks, 27, was fatally shot by police at a Wendy's drive-thru after officials said he resisted arrest and stole an officer's Taser. Mass protests followed Rayshard's death, protesters set ablaze the wendy's outside which Rayshard was shot. Experts say that the use of the deadly force was unjustified. One lawyer points at qualified immunity behind these police shootouts. Lawyer Jeff Storms says that "and what qualified immunity is, is that if you sue a police officer for violation of constitutional rights, they have this immunity where, if their behaviour was not done in almost an exact way before, even though they've violated someone's constitutional rights, they cannot be held civilly viable." Floyd's death has also sparked the call for defunding the police. The Minneapolis city council has passed a resolution. The city will be replacing the police department with a community-led public safety wing. Trump tweeted calling the move 'crazy' Supporters of the anti-racist movement have called for the action as one step toward combating what they view as institutionalized racism within police departments. After this huge unrest in the United States, one thing is clear that once this movement blows over, policing in the US Will never be the same again.

US policing needs radical reform and removal of racist officers

<p>Prime Minister Boris Johnson said Britain cannot "photoshop" its cultural landscape and complex history as doing so would be a distortion of its past, amid an ongoing row over the removal of statues of historical figures.</p>

<p>"If we start purging the record and removing the images of all but those whose attitudes conform to our own, we are engaged in a great lie, a distortion of our history,"&nbsp;Johnson said.</p>

<p><strong>Also see:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/churchill-slave-trader-edward-colstons-statues-vandalised-amid-protests-in-uk-304261">Churchill, slave trader Edward Colston's statues vandalised amid protests in UK</a></strong></p>

<p>Johnson also defended Winston Churchill and said it was "absurd and deplorable" that the former prime minister's monument should have been in any danger.</p>

<p>"He was a hero, and I expect I am not alone in saying that I will resist with every breath in my body any attempt to remove that statue from Parliament Square, and the sooner his protective shielding comes off the better," he said.</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/world-dismantles-historical-artefacts-of-racism-monuments-become-sites-of-protest-304777">World dismantles historical artefacts of racism, monuments become sites of protest</a></strong></p>

<p>Many monuments of historical figures&nbsp;have been boarded up&nbsp;as anti-racism protesters taking to the streets following the death of African-American George Floyd, have put statues at the forefront of their challenge to Britain's imperialist past.</p>

<p>Earlier this month, a statue of Edward Colston, who made a fortune in the 17th century from the slave trade, was&nbsp;torn down in the port city of Bristol&nbsp;and thrown into harbour.</p>

<p>Johnson is an admirer and biographer of Churchill, and some of those close to him say he wants to emulate him.</p>

<p>But Churchill expressed racist and anti-Semitic views and critics blame him for denying food to India during the 1943 famine which killed more than two million people - aspects of his legacy which some say are not scrutinised enough.</p>


Prime Minister Boris Johnson said Britain cannot "photoshop" its cultural landscape and complex history as doing so would be a distortion of its past, amid an ongoing row over the removal of statues of historical figures.

Prime Minister Boris Johnson said Britain cannot "photoshop" its cultural landscape and complex history as doing so would be a distortion of its past, amid an ongoing row over the removal of statues of historical figures. "If we start purging the record and removing the images of all but those whose attitudes conform to our own, we are engaged in a great lie, a distortion of our history," Johnson said. Also see: Churchill, slave trader Edward Colston's statues vandalised amid protests in UK Johnson also defended Winston Churchill and said it was "absurd and deplorable" that the former prime minister's monument should have been in any danger. "He was a hero, and I expect I am not alone in saying that I will resist with every breath in my body any attempt to remove that statue from Parliament Square, and the sooner his protective shielding comes off the better," he said. Also read: World dismantles historical artefacts of racism, monuments become sites of protest Many monuments of historical figures have been boarded up as anti-racism protesters taking to the streets following the death of African-American George Floyd, have put statues at the forefront of their challenge to Britain's imperialist past. Earlier this month, a statue of Edward Colston, who made a fortune in the 17th century from the slave trade, was torn down in the port city of Bristol and thrown into harbour. Johnson is an admirer and biographer of Churchill, and some of those close to him say he wants to emulate him. But Churchill expressed racist and anti-Semitic views and critics blame him for denying food to India during the 1943 famine which killed more than two million people - aspects of his legacy which some say are not scrutinised enough.

UK PM Boris Johnson defends Churchill, criticises 'distortion of history'

A flip side has been seen of protest against police brutality. The police officials also protested against the new rules in Paris. Watch this video to know more.

Flip side of protest against police brutality, police officials protest against new rules in Paris

<p>Former Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin could receive more than $1 million in pension benefits during his retirement years even if he is convicted of killing George Floyd.</p>

<p>The death of Floyd, a black man, on May 25 has become the latest flashpoint for rage over police brutality against African Americans, propelling the issue of race to the top of the political agenda ahead of the US presidential election on November 3.</p>

<p>Chauvin has been the subject of national fury since last month, when footage emerged of him kneeling on Floyd's neck for nearly nine minutes even as he begged him to stop. He was subsequently fired from the department where he had worked since 2001 amid national protests, and was eventually charged with second-degree murder. Three other officers involved with the incident were also fired and face felony charges.</p>

<p>But Chauvin still stands to benefit from a pension partially funded by taxpayers.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hes-going-to-change-the-world-george-floyd-hailed-at-funeral-304921"><strong>Also read |&nbsp;'He's going to change the world': George Floyd hailed at funeral</strong></a></p>

<p>The Minnesota Public Employees Retirement Association confirmed to CNN that 44-year-old Chauvin would remain eligible to file for his pension as early as age 50.</p>

<p>Chauvin would likely be eligible for annual payments in the ballpark of $50,000 a year or more if he chose to start receiving them at age 55, according to a CNN analysis based on Chauvin's tenure, 2019 payroll data, contract details, pension plan guidance and Minneapolis Police Department salary schedules. The benefits could stretch to $1.5 million or more over a 30-year period, not including any cost of living increases.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Chauvin's annual payments could be even higher if he received significant amounts of overtime in prior years.</p>

<p>While a number of state laws allow for the forfeiture of pensions for those employees convicted of felony crimes related to their work, this is not the case in Minnesota.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-says-its-a-great-day-for-george-floyd-in-an-unprepared-address-303748"><strong>Also read |&nbsp;Trump says it's a 'great day' for George Floyd in an unprepared address</strong></a></p>


Former Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin could receive more than $1 million in pension benefits during his retirement years even if he is convicted of killing George Floyd.

Former Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin could receive more than $1 million in pension benefits during his retirement years even if he is convicted of killing George Floyd. The death of Floyd, a black man, on May 25 has become the latest flashpoint for rage over police brutality against African Americans, propelling the issue of race to the top of the political agenda ahead of the US presidential election on November 3. Chauvin has been the subject of national fury since last month, when footage emerged of him kneeling on Floyd's neck for nearly nine minutes even as he begged him to stop. He was subsequently fired from the department where he had worked since 2001 amid national protests, and was eventually charged with second-degree murder. Three other officers involved with the incident were also fired and face felony charges. But Chauvin still stands to benefit from a pension partially funded by taxpayers. Also read | 'He's going to change the world': George Floyd hailed at funeral The Minnesota Public Employees Retirement Association confirmed to CNN that 44-year-old Chauvin would remain eligible to file for his pension as early as age 50. Chauvin would likely be eligible for annual payments in the ballpark of $50,000 a year or more if he chose to start receiving them at age 55, according to a CNN analysis based on Chauvin's tenure, 2019 payroll data, contract details, pension plan guidance and Minneapolis Police Department salary schedules. The benefits could stretch to $1.5 million or more over a 30-year period, not including any cost of living increases. Chauvin's annual payments could be even higher if he received significant amounts of overtime in prior years. While a number of state laws allow for the forfeiture of pensions for those employees convicted of felony crimes related to their work, this is not the case in Minnesota. Also read | Trump says it's a 'great day' for George Floyd in an unprepared address

Officer charged with killing George Floyd eligible for pension worth more than $1 million

<p>As protests over racism and police brutality roil the country, Democrats are putting more importance in Joe Biden choosing a black candidate or a woman of colour as his running mate.</p>

<p>The widescale uprisings have reshaped the national dialogue around Biden’s&nbsp;search&nbsp;for a running mate and made the issue of an African American vice presidential nominee a top consideration for the campaign.</p>

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<p data-content-child-index="0-0">Biden’s list of contenders includes Sen. Kamala Harris of California, Florida Rep. Val Demings and Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms.</p>

<p data-content-child-index="0-0">All three have seen their public profiles rise in recent weeks. Harris, the lone VP contender to have run against Biden in the primary, also saw her favorability among Democrats rise in the poll. Meantime, public attention on Bottoms has grown since her well-reviewed speech after massive protests and looting descended on her city.</p>

<p data-content-child-index="0-0"><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/joe-biden-extends-lead-over-donald-trump-as-55-americans-back-him-for-presidency-survey-304298https://www.wionews.com/world/joe-biden-extends-lead-over-donald-trump-as-55-americans-back-him-for-presidency-survey-304298">Joe Biden extends lead over Donald Trump as 55% Americans back him for presidency: Survey</a></strong></p>

<p data-content-child-index="0-2">With the focus turning to police reform, Demings, a former metropolitan police chief, and Harris, a former district attorney and state attorney general, have leaned on their personal experiences despite the potential for backlash.</p>

<p data-content-child-index="0-2">Both argue that their careers, which became a burden for Harris in the primary, are an asset in their efforts to overhaul law enforcement.</p>

<p data-content-child-index="0-0">Other African American women under consideration include former national security adviser Susan Rice and Stacey Abrams, a former Democratic state House leader in Georgia who narrowly lost a race for governor in 2018.</p>

<p>Amid nationwide protests sweeping the nation calling for systemic change following the death of George Floyd in Minneapolis at the hands of police, former vice president and presumptive Democratic Nominee Joe Biden is aware of the increased calls for him to choose a woman of color as his running mate, according to Biden’s senior adviser, Symone Sanders.</p>

<p><strong>Also read:<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/i-will-appoint-a-woman-as-vice-president-if-elected-president-biden-286568">&nbsp;I will appoint a woman as vice president, if elected president: Biden</a></strong></p>

<p>"He absolutely is. He hears the concerns of folks across this country who have asked for an African American woman vice president running mate, but also folks from the Latino community have said he should pick a Latina. There are folks that believe he should pick someone that represents the LGBTQ+ community," Sanders said in an appearance on ABC’s "The View" on Wednesday.</p>

<p>“Your points are well taken, and I will have to tell you that if you were to ask Joe Biden today, he would say he doesn't know who he's going to pick, but he can promise you that the person he will pick will be ready to govern on day one, will mirror the relationship he and President Obama had, and it could be a black woman but we just don't know yet. We'll have to wait and see,” Sanders added.</p>

<p>The campaign is also seeking to draw a sharp contrast with President Donald Trump as calls for tangible police reform grow, and Sanders argued Wednesday that the president had “abdicated” leadership on the issue and is instead “hiding in a bunker,” a reference to reports that Trump was taken to a secure location in the White House due to growing protests in the vicinity of the complex earlier this month.</p>

<p>"We believe that Donald Trump has abdicated his position of leadership. When Vice President Biden was out touring the unrest that happened in his own city just a couple miles from where he lived in Wilmington, Delaware last week, where was Donald Trump? He was in a bunker...hiding in a bunker," Sanders said.</p>

<p>Sanders also pointed to criticism of Trump from former top defense officials like former Defense Secretary James Mattis as evidence that there is a growing attitude even among Republicans that the president must be defeated in November.</p>
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As protests over racism and police brutality roil the country, Democrats are putting more importance in Joe Biden choosing a black candidate or a woman of colour as his running mate.

As protests over racism and police brutality roil the country, Democrats are putting more importance in Joe Biden choosing a black candidate or a woman of colour as his running mate. The widescale uprisings have reshaped the national dialogue around Biden’s search for a running mate and made the issue of an African American vice presidential nominee a top consideration for the campaign. Biden’s list of contenders includes Sen. Kamala Harris of California, Florida Rep. Val Demings and Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms. All three have seen their public profiles rise in recent weeks. Harris, the lone VP contender to have run against Biden in the primary, also saw her favorability among Democrats rise in the poll. Meantime, public attention on Bottoms has grown since her well-reviewed speech after massive protests and looting descended on her city. Also read: Joe Biden extends lead over Donald Trump as 55% Americans back him for presidency: Survey With the focus turning to police reform, Demings, a former metropolitan police chief, and Harris, a former district attorney and state attorney general, have leaned on their personal experiences despite the potential for backlash. Both argue that their careers, which became a burden for Harris in the primary, are an asset in their efforts to overhaul law enforcement. Other African American women under consideration include former national security adviser Susan Rice and Stacey Abrams, a former Democratic state House leader in Georgia who narrowly lost a race for governor in 2018. Amid nationwide protests sweeping the nation calling for systemic change following the death of George Floyd in Minneapolis at the hands of police, former vice president and presumptive Democratic Nominee Joe Biden is aware of the increased calls for him to choose a woman of color as his running mate, according to Biden’s senior adviser, Symone Sanders. Also read: I will appoint a woman as vice president, if elected president: Biden "He absolutely is. He hears the concerns of folks across this country who have asked for an African American woman vice president running mate, but also folks from the Latino community have said he should pick a Latina. There are folks that believe he should pick someone that represents the LGBTQ+ community," Sanders said in an appearance on ABC’s "The View" on Wednesday. “Your points are well taken, and I will have to tell you that if you were to ask Joe Biden today, he would say he doesn't know who he's going to pick, but he can promise you that the person he will pick will be ready to govern on day one, will mirror the relationship he and President Obama had, and it could be a black woman but we just don't know yet. We'll have to wait and see,” Sanders added. The campaign is also seeking to draw a sharp contrast with President Donald Trump as calls for tangible police reform grow, and Sanders argued Wednesday that the president had “abdicated” leadership on the issue and is instead “hiding in a bunker,” a reference to reports that Trump was taken to a secure location in the White House due to growing protests in the vicinity of the complex earlier this month. "We believe that Donald Trump has abdicated his position of leadership. When Vice President Biden was out touring the unrest that happened in his own city just a couple miles from where he lived in Wilmington, Delaware last week, where was Donald Trump? He was in a bunker...hiding in a bunker," Sanders said. Sanders also pointed to criticism of Trump from former top defense officials like former Defense Secretary James Mattis as evidence that there is a growing attitude even among Republicans that the president must be defeated in November.

Biden may select black woman candidate for post of vice president

<p>British street artist&nbsp;Banksy&nbsp;has posted an Instagram message about the statue of 17th-century slave owner&nbsp;Edward Colston&nbsp;in Bristol that was taken down by&nbsp;Black Lives Matter&nbsp;protesters last weekend.</p>

<p>The graffiti artist's new artwork shows protesters pulling down the statue of the 17th-century slave trader during Sunday's protest, saying their actions should be commemorated.</p>

<p>On Sunday, the statue that has long stood in Bristol city centre was&nbsp;removed from its plinth and rolled into the harbour.</p>

<p>Banksy, who hails from Bristol, wrote: ''What should we do with the empty plinth in the middle of Bristol?''</p>

<p>''Here’s an idea that caters for both those who miss the Colston statue and those who don’t. We drag him out the water, put him back on the plinth, tie cable round his neck and commission some life size bronze statues of protestors in the act of pulling him down.''</p>

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<p style=" margin:8px 0 0 0; padding:0 4px;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CBNmTVZsDKS/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" style=" color:#000; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none; word-wrap:break-word;" target="_blank">. . What should we do with the empty plinth in the middle of Bristol? Here’s an idea that caters for both those who miss the Colston statue and those who don’t. We drag him out the water, put him back on the plinth, tie cable round his neck and commission some life size bronze statues of protestors in the act of pulling him down. Everyone happy. A famous day commemorated.</a></p>

<p style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px; margin-bottom:0; margin-top:8px; overflow:hidden; padding:8px 0 7px; text-align:center; text-overflow:ellipsis; white-space:nowrap;">A post shared by <a href="https://www.instagram.com/banksy/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px;" target="_blank"> Banksy</a> (@banksy) on <time datetime="2020-06-09T11:21:41+00:00" style=" font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px;">Jun 9, 2020 at 4:21am PDT</time></p>
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<p>The artist has publicly expressed his support of the Black Lives Matter movement, which has&nbsp;escalated over the past two weeks following the death of George Floyd&nbsp;in Minneapolis.</p>

<p>Floyd died after a white police officer held him down by pressing his knee into his neck for almost nine minutes on May 25. His death has&nbsp;sparked days of protests&nbsp;around the world.</p>

<p>Bansky showed his support for the movement in an Instagram post on Saturday, of a painting of a vigil candle burning an American flag.</p>

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<p style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px; margin-bottom:0; margin-top:8px; overflow:hidden; padding:8px 0 7px; text-align:center; text-overflow:ellipsis; white-space:nowrap;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CBFyA8iM15Y/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none;" target="_blank">A post shared by Banksy (@banksy)</a> on <time datetime="2020-06-06T10:30:06+00:00" style=" font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px;">Jun 6, 2020 at 3:30am PDT</time></p>
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British street artist Banksy has posted an Instagram message about the statue of 17th-century slave owner Edward Colston in Bristol that was taken down by Black Lives Matter protesters last weekend.

British street artist Banksy has posted an Instagram message about the statue of 17th-century slave owner Edward Colston in Bristol that was taken down by Black Lives Matter protesters last weekend. The graffiti artist's new artwork shows protesters pulling down the statue of the 17th-century slave trader during Sunday's protest, saying their actions should be commemorated. On Sunday, the statue that has long stood in Bristol city centre was removed from its plinth and rolled into the harbour. Banksy, who hails from Bristol, wrote: ''What should we do with the empty plinth in the middle of Bristol?'' ''Here’s an idea that caters for both those who miss the Colston statue and those who don’t. We drag him out the water, put him back on the plinth, tie cable round his neck and commission some life size bronze statues of protestors in the act of pulling him down.'' View this post on Instagram . . What should we do with the empty plinth in the middle of Bristol? Here’s an idea that caters for both those who miss the Colston statue and those who don’t. We drag him out the water, put him back on the plinth, tie cable round his neck and commission some life size bronze statues of protestors in the act of pulling him down. Everyone happy. A famous day commemorated. A post shared by Banksy (@banksy) on Jun 9, 2020 at 4:21am PDT The artist has publicly expressed his support of the Black Lives Matter movement, which has escalated over the past two weeks following the death of George Floyd in Minneapolis. Floyd died after a white police officer held him down by pressing his knee into his neck for almost nine minutes on May 25. His death has sparked days of protests around the world. Bansky showed his support for the movement in an Instagram post on Saturday, of a painting of a vigil candle burning an American flag. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Banksy (@banksy) on Jun 6, 2020 at 3:30am PDT

British street artist Banksy unveils new artwork for toppled statue of slave trader

World dismantles historical artefacts of racism, monuments become sites of protest

The incident happened yesterday, when prison guards responded to a disturbance that broke out in the exercise yard.

BLM Protest: Tear gas fired into prison yard of Sydney's Long Bay jail

<p>Prominent Democratic politicians on Friday embraced the cause of US protesters angered by the death of a black man in Minneapolis police custody, adopting their slogans and announcing reforms as tensions remained high in major cities.</p>

<p>District of Columbia Mayor Muriel Bowser, who has sparred with US President Donald Trump over his sometimes heavy-handed response to the rallies and marches, had the slogan "Black Lives Matter" painted in massive yellow letters on a street leading to the White House.</p>

<p>In Minneapolis, where 46-year-old George Floyd died on May 25 after a police officer pinned him to the ground with a knee to the neck for nearly nine minutes, Democratic city leaders voted to end the use of knee restraints and choke holds, although the ordinance must be approved by a judge.</p>

<p>Separate autopsies conducted by the Hennepin County Medical examiner and a team hired by Floyd's family each found that he died from asphyxiation.</p>

<p>California Governor Gavin Newsom, a Democrat, said he would bar a state police training agency from teaching a restraint technique, sometimes called a "sleeper hold," that involves restricting the carotid artery in the neck.</p>

<p>And in New York, Governor Andrew Cuomo said his state should lead the way in passing so-called "Say Their Name" reforms including making police disciplinary records publicly available and banning chokeholds.</p>

<p>"Mr. Floyd's murder was the breaking point," Cuomo, also a Democrat, said in a written statement. "People are saying enough is enough, we must change."</p>

<p>National Football League Commissioner Roger Goodell, in a videotaped message, said the NFL had made mistakes in not listening to players and it would now "encourage all to speak out and peacefully protest" against racism.</p>

<p>The NFL has been locked in an ongoing debate with players over kneeling protests during the national anthem before games, a practice popularised by quarterback Colin Kaepernick, who is black, in 2016 to protest racial injustice and police brutality.</p>

<p><strong>OFFICERS SUSPENDED AFTER SHOVING 75-YEAR-OLD</strong></p>

<p>Black Lives Matter activists have also called for cities to defund police departments. Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti, a Democrat who in April proposed increasing law enforcement funding, this week reversed course and said he would seek some $150 million in cuts to the Los Angeles Police Department.</p>

<p>After video footage from upstate New York raised further questions about the handling of demonstrators by law enforcement, two Buffalo police officers seen on Thursday shoving a 75-year-old protester to the ground were suspended and placed under investigation.</p>

<p>All 57 members of a police tactical unit quit the unit to protest their treatment, local media said Friday.</p>

<p>Protests over the death of Floyd have rocked cities including Atlanta, Denver, Detroit as well as many smaller communities.</p>

<p>The demonstrations have erupted as Americans and businesses struggle to recover from sweeping lockdowns imposed by state and local officials due to the coronavirus. Infectious disease experts have said that the protests could spark a new outbreak of COVID-19.</p>

<p>On Friday marches and gatherings took place in Atlanta, Los Angeles, Minneapolis, Miami, New York and Denver among other places. Protesters also massed again in the rain in front of the White House. The nighttime protests were largely peaceful.</p>

<p>In Washington, the city installed a street sign for "Black Lives Matter Plaza" at the intersection of H and 16th Streets near the White House.</p>

<p>"Breonna Taylor, on your birthday, let us stand with determination," Bowser, a Democrat, wrote on Twitter in reference to a 26-year-old black woman who was shot dead by Louisville, Kentucky police in March. "Determination to make America the land it ought to be."</p>

<p>The mayor and Trump, a Republican, have bickered publicly over the president's use of federal law enforcement agencies and military police to shut down protests.</p>

<p>US Park Police fired smoke grenades and chemical irritant "pepper balls" to break up a peaceful rally on Monday night so that Trump could walk from the White House to a nearby church for a photo opportunity.</p>

<p>"The incompetent Mayor of Washington, D.C., @MayorBowser, who's budget is totally out of control and is constantly coming back to us for 'handouts', is now fighting with the National Guard, who saved her from great embarrassment," Trump responded on Twitter.</p>

<p>On Friday, a US official said the Pentagon would send back the remaining 900 active-duty troops who had been deployed to the Washington, D.C., area.</p>

<p>Trump, who is seeking re-election in November, was cheered on Friday by an unexpected jump in US employment in May, defying predictions of further job losses inflicted by the pandemic.</p>

<p>The president said Floyd might be pleased by the jobs report. "Hopefully, George is looking down right now, and saying, 'This is a great thing that's happening for our country,'" he said.</p>

<p>That drew a rebuke from former Vice President Joe Biden, the presumptive Democratic presidential nominee, who noted that Floyd's last words were "I can't breathe" as a police officer kneeled on his neck.</p>

<p>"For the president to try to put any other words in the mouth of George Floyd, I frankly, think is despicable," Biden said at an event in Delaware.</p>


Prominent Democratic politicians on Friday embraced the cause of US protesters angered by the death of a black man in Minneapolis police custody, adopting their slogans and announcing reforms as tensions remained high in major cities.

Prominent Democratic politicians on Friday embraced the cause of US protesters angered by the death of a black man in Minneapolis police custody, adopting their slogans and announcing reforms as tensions remained high in major cities. District of Columbia Mayor Muriel Bowser, who has sparred with US President Donald Trump over his sometimes heavy-handed response to the rallies and marches, had the slogan "Black Lives Matter" painted in massive yellow letters on a street leading to the White House. In Minneapolis, where 46-year-old George Floyd died on May 25 after a police officer pinned him to the ground with a knee to the neck for nearly nine minutes, Democratic city leaders voted to end the use of knee restraints and choke holds, although the ordinance must be approved by a judge. Separate autopsies conducted by the Hennepin County Medical examiner and a team hired by Floyd's family each found that he died from asphyxiation. California Governor Gavin Newsom, a Democrat, said he would bar a state police training agency from teaching a restraint technique, sometimes called a "sleeper hold," that involves restricting the carotid artery in the neck. And in New York, Governor Andrew Cuomo said his state should lead the way in passing so-called "Say Their Name" reforms including making police disciplinary records publicly available and banning chokeholds. "Mr. Floyd's murder was the breaking point," Cuomo, also a Democrat, said in a written statement. "People are saying enough is enough, we must change." National Football League Commissioner Roger Goodell, in a videotaped message, said the NFL had made mistakes in not listening to players and it would now "encourage all to speak out and peacefully protest" against racism. The NFL has been locked in an ongoing debate with players over kneeling protests during the national anthem before games, a practice popularised by quarterback Colin Kaepernick, who is black, in 2016 to protest racial injustice and police brutality. OFFICERS SUSPENDED AFTER SHOVING 75-YEAR-OLD Black Lives Matter activists have also called for cities to defund police departments. Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti, a Democrat who in April proposed increasing law enforcement funding, this week reversed course and said he would seek some $150 million in cuts to the Los Angeles Police Department. After video footage from upstate New York raised further questions about the handling of demonstrators by law enforcement, two Buffalo police officers seen on Thursday shoving a 75-year-old protester to the ground were suspended and placed under investigation. All 57 members of a police tactical unit quit the unit to protest their treatment, local media said Friday. Protests over the death of Floyd have rocked cities including Atlanta, Denver, Detroit as well as many smaller communities. The demonstrations have erupted as Americans and businesses struggle to recover from sweeping lockdowns imposed by state and local officials due to the coronavirus. Infectious disease experts have said that the protests could spark a new outbreak of COVID-19. On Friday marches and gatherings took place in Atlanta, Los Angeles, Minneapolis, Miami, New York and Denver among other places. Protesters also massed again in the rain in front of the White House. The nighttime protests were largely peaceful. In Washington, the city installed a street sign for "Black Lives Matter Plaza" at the intersection of H and 16th Streets near the White House. "Breonna Taylor, on your birthday, let us stand with determination," Bowser, a Democrat, wrote on Twitter in reference to a 26-year-old black woman who was shot dead by Louisville, Kentucky police in March. "Determination to make America the land it ought to be." The mayor and Trump, a Republican, have bickered publicly over the president's use of federal law enforcement agencies and military police to shut down protests. US Park Police fired smoke grenades and chemical irritant "pepper balls" to break up a peaceful rally on Monday night so that Trump could walk from the White House to a nearby church for a photo opportunity. "The incompetent Mayor of Washington, D.C., @MayorBowser, who's budget is totally out of control and is constantly coming back to us for 'handouts', is now fighting with the National Guard, who saved her from great embarrassment," Trump responded on Twitter. On Friday, a US official said the Pentagon would send back the remaining 900 active-duty troops who had been deployed to the Washington, D.C., area. Trump, who is seeking re-election in November, was cheered on Friday by an unexpected jump in US employment in May, defying predictions of further job losses inflicted by the pandemic. The president said Floyd might be pleased by the jobs report. "Hopefully, George is looking down right now, and saying, 'This is a great thing that's happening for our country,'" he said. That drew a rebuke from former Vice President Joe Biden, the presumptive Democratic presidential nominee, who noted that Floyd's last words were "I can't breathe" as a police officer kneeled on his neck. "For the president to try to put any other words in the mouth of George Floyd, I frankly, think is despicable," Biden said at an event in Delaware.

Democratic US politicians urge police reforms as protestors march for 11th day

George Floyd. The name over and over again. That's what traveling artist Renda Writer envisioned as his tribute to Floyd on a large blank wall.

Traveling muralist pays tribute to George Floyd

Thousands of surfers gathered in Encinitas, California on Wednesday (June 3) for a "paddle out" honoring George Floyd and the Black Lives Matter movement.

Surfs up in California to support Black Lives Matter

Activists put out a call online on Tuesday for local artists to come beautify the boarded up businesses. By Wednesday, several dozen artists were spray-painting murals and slogans in support of anti-police brutality protests, Black Lives Matter, and George Floyd, who was killed in Minneapolis last month by a white police officer who pinned him down with his knee.

Oakland artists use boarded-up windows for murals to show support

<p>Washington's Catholic archbishop has strongly criticised President Donald Trump's visit to a shrine as civil unrest continues in the US over the death of George Floyd.</p>

<p>According to Archbishop Wilton D Gregory,&nbsp;Trump's visit&nbsp;"misused" and "manipulated" the Saint John Paul II National Shrine and he found action "baffling and reprehensible".</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-president-trump-poses-for-cameras-with-bible-in-hand-amid-riots-302684" hreflang="en">US President Trump poses for cameras with bible in hand amid riots</a></strong></p>

<p>On Tuesday, the&nbsp;Las Vegas sheriff had said an officer died&nbsp;in a shooting after police attempted to disperse a crowd, and four officers were injured on Monday in St Louis, Missouri.</p>

<p>Trump threatened to send in the military to quell disturbances, vowing to "dominate the streets", as protests sparked by the killing of Floyd, 46, in Minneapolis continued.</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/nancy-pelosi-promises-legislation-on-the-issues-raised-by-murder-of-george-floyd-302739" hreflang="en">Nancy Pelosi promises legislation on the issues raised by murder of George Floyd</a></strong></p>

<p>The president said he would deploy the army if cities and states failed to control the protests. But on Tuesday at least one mayor rejected the use of National Guard and military forces.</p>

<p>Democratic presidential hopeful Joe Biden criticised Trump for using the crisis to appeal to his supporters, saying he was "serving the passions of his base".</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>


Washington's Catholic archbishop has strongly criticised President Donald Trump's visit to a shrine as civil unrest continues in the US over the death of George Floyd.

Washington's Catholic archbishop has strongly criticised President Donald Trump's visit to a shrine as civil unrest continues in the US over the death of George Floyd. According to Archbishop Wilton D Gregory, Trump's visit "misused" and "manipulated" the Saint John Paul II National Shrine and he found action "baffling and reprehensible". Also read: US President Trump poses for cameras with bible in hand amid riots On Tuesday, the Las Vegas sheriff had said an officer died in a shooting after police attempted to disperse a crowd, and four officers were injured on Monday in St Louis, Missouri. Trump threatened to send in the military to quell disturbances, vowing to "dominate the streets", as protests sparked by the killing of Floyd, 46, in Minneapolis continued. Also read: Nancy Pelosi promises legislation on the issues raised by murder of George Floyd The president said he would deploy the army if cities and states failed to control the protests. But on Tuesday at least one mayor rejected the use of National Guard and military forces. Democratic presidential hopeful Joe Biden criticised Trump for using the crisis to appeal to his supporters, saying he was "serving the passions of his base".

Archbishop attacks Trump's visit to a shrine amid civil unrest in US

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<p>As the protests over the killing of African American George Floyd raged across the US, an Indian American, who offered shelter to at least 70 protestors at his home at Swann Street in Washington DC, has been hailed as a hero.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Rahul Dubey opened his home for the protestors to spend the night till the curfew lifted.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Dubey has been identified as a first-generation Indian immigrant who runs a healthcare service.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Rahul Dubey took dozens of protesters into his home and sheltered them overnight while police waited outside to arrest them. Repeatedly refused to let the cops in. This morning they were able to leave freely. Be like Rahul. Don't cooperate with police thugs. <a href="https://t.co/B9QLop5TXT">https://t.co/B9QLop5TXT</a></p>
— Carlos Maza 🌹 (@gaywonk) <a href="https://twitter.com/gaywonk/status/1267789694856761346?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 2, 2020</a></blockquote>
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<p>According to a report, Dubey opened his house to protesters and waved them into it when they were about to be arrested.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The police chased the protesters as far as the entrance, and while inside, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/archbishop-attacks-trumps-visit-to-a-shrine-amid-civil-unrest-in-us-302758">pandemonium ensued</a> as some of the screaming protesters hit by pepper spray sought relief for their eyes with milk and water. Dubey described the scene as 10 minutes of "pure terror".&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="und"><a href="https://t.co/Gzamv5vTrb">https://t.co/Gzamv5vTrb</a></p>
— Danielle Misiak (@DanielleMisiak) <a href="https://twitter.com/DanielleMisiak/status/1267629152926121987?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 2, 2020</a></blockquote>
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<p>"The crowd just came racing through like a tornado. ... We had to keep the door open and just kept grabbing people and pulling them in. It’s the same that you would if it's a storm, and you would have let anyone into your home, I know that," Dubey was quoted as saying to NBC Washington.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Tens of thousands of people took to the streets of US&nbsp;cities on Tuesday for an eighth <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/walk-with-us-sheriff-in-michigan-shows-solidarity-to-protestors-302634">consecutive night</a> of protests over the death of a black man in police custody, clashing with police and looting stores in New York City.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">South Asians, this is solidarity. We need to learn from Rahul Dubey. <a href="https://t.co/nn3q16McYk">https://t.co/nn3q16McYk</a></p>
— sai (@Saisailu97) <a href="https://twitter.com/Saisailu97/status/1267778193458528257?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 2, 2020</a></blockquote>
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<p>Large marches and rallies also took place in Los Angeles, Philadelphia, Atlanta and Seattle. In Washington, D.C., protests were held near the park where demonstrators were cleared out by police on Monday to make a path for President Donald Trump so he could walk from the White House to a historic church for a photo.</p>


As the protests over the killing of African American George Floyd raged across the US, an Indian American, who offered shelter to at least 70 protestors at his home at Swann Street in Washington DC, has been hailed as a hero.

As the protests over the killing of African American George Floyd raged across the US, an Indian American, who offered shelter to at least 70 protestors at his home at Swann Street in Washington DC, has been hailed as a hero. Rahul Dubey opened his home for the protestors to spend the night till the curfew lifted. Dubey has been identified as a first-generation Indian immigrant who runs a healthcare service. Rahul Dubey took dozens of protesters into his home and sheltered them overnight while police waited outside to arrest them. Repeatedly refused to let the cops in. This morning they were able to leave freely. Be like Rahul. Don't cooperate with police thugs. https://t.co/B9QLop5TXT — Carlos Maza 🌹 (@gaywonk) June 2, 2020 × According to a report, Dubey opened his house to protesters and waved them into it when they were about to be arrested. The police chased the protesters as far as the entrance, and while inside, pandemonium ensued as some of the screaming protesters hit by pepper spray sought relief for their eyes with milk and water. Dubey described the scene as 10 minutes of "pure terror". https://t.co/Gzamv5vTrb — Danielle Misiak (@DanielleMisiak) June 2, 2020 × "The crowd just came racing through like a tornado. ... We had to keep the door open and just kept grabbing people and pulling them in. It’s the same that you would if it's a storm, and you would have let anyone into your home, I know that," Dubey was quoted as saying to NBC Washington. Tens of thousands of people took to the streets of US cities on Tuesday for an eighth consecutive night of protests over the death of a black man in police custody, clashing with police and looting stores in New York City. South Asians, this is solidarity. We need to learn from Rahul Dubey. https://t.co/nn3q16McYk — sai (@Saisailu97) June 2, 2020 × Large marches and rallies also took place in Los Angeles, Philadelphia, Atlanta and Seattle. In Washington, D.C., protests were held near the park where demonstrators were cleared out by police on Monday to make a path for President Donald Trump so he could walk from the White House to a historic church for a photo.

Indian American who offered shelter to 70 US protesters hailed as a hero

Protests over George Floyd's death expose raw race relations worldwide

The face of George Floyd was immortalised by Syrian artist Aziz Asmar, as 'I can't breathe' protests continue around the world.

Syrian artist paints portrait of George Floyd on Idlib wall

<p>NBA legend Michael Jordan decried "ingrained racism" in the United States as the sports world's reaction to the death of unarmed black man George Floyd leapt leagues and continents.</p>

<p>"I am deeply saddened, truly pained and plain angry," Jordan said Sunday, as protests over Floyd's death on May 25 spawned violence and looting across the US. "I stand with those who are calling out the ingrained racism and violence toward people of color in our country.</p>

<p>"We have had enough," added Jordan, who was famously reluctant to comment on social issues during his playing career.</p>

<p>Floyd died after a white policeman in Minneapolis held his knee on the handcuffed man's neck for several minutes.</p>

<p>"We need to continue peaceful expressions against injustice and demand accountability," Jordan said.</p>

<p>Jordan joined a chorus of voices from the NBA, NFL and other US sports demanding change for black Americans, but the demands went far beyond America.</p>

<p>World champion driver Lewis Hamilton lashed out at "white-dominated" Formula One for failing to speak out against racism.</p>

<p>Hamilton warned "I know who you are and I see you" as the Briton accused his fellow drivers of "staying silent in the midst of injustice" following Floyd's death.</p>

<p>French footballer Marcus Thuram and England international Jadon Sancho both mounted individual protests calling for justice for Floyd after scoring in Germany's Bundesliga on Sunday.</p>

<p>Thuram took a knee after his goal for Borussia Moenchengladbach in a match against Union Berlin, while Sancho marked one of his three goals for Borussia Dortmund against Paderborn by lifting his jersey to reveal a T-shirt bearing the words "Justice for George Floyd".</p>

<p>Thuram's gesture echoed the protest against US racism spearheaded by former NFL quarterback Colin Kaepernick, whose decision to kneel during the national anthem at games in 2016 sparked outrage.</p>

<p>NBA Commissioner Adam Silver sent an internal memo to the league's employees saying it shares "the outrage" at the death of Floyd -- which comes in the wake of the police killing in Kentucky of emergency health worker Breonna Taylor in her home, and the fatal shooting of unarmed black jogger Ahmaud Arbery.</p>

<p>"We are being reminded that there are wounds in our country that have never healed," Silver said in the memo published by Yahoo.</p>

<p>"Racism, police brutality and racial injustice remain part of everyday life in America and cannot be ignored."</p>

<p>With US pro sports on hold during the coronavirus pandemic, American athletes had no chance to demonstrate on the field of play.</p>

<p>Boston Celtics forward Jaylen Brown drove 15 hours to lead a peaceful protest march in Atlanta, Georgia.</p>

<p>"First and foremost, I'm a black man and I'm a member of this community," the Georgia native said.</p>

<h2>- 'Too many tragedies' -</h2>

<p>Los Angeles Clippers coach Doc Rivers, himself the son of a policeman, said that as violence escalated it was imperative to keep Floyd's death at the forefront.</p>

<p>"The response we are seeing across the nation, to the murder of George Floyd, is decades in the making," Rivers said in a statement. "Too often, people rush to judge the response, instead of the actions that prompted it.</p>

<p>"We have allowed too many tragedies to pass in vain. This isn't an African-American issue. This is a human issue," Rivers said.</p>

<p>US tennis great Serena Williams posted an Instagram video featuring a young African-American girl overcome by emotion as she addressed a public meeting, finally able to force out the words: "We are black people, and we shouldn't have to feel like this."</p>

<p>Teenage tennis phenomenon Coco Gauff had a simple question on her Instagram post: "Am I next?"</p>

<p>And two-time Grand Slam winner Naomi Osaka, whose mother is Japanese and father Haitian, reminded her social media followers: "Just because it isn't happening to you doesn't mean it isn't happening at all."</p>

<p>NFL commissioner Roger Goodell said the violent protests "reflect the pain, anger&nbsp;and&nbsp;frustration that so many&nbsp;of us&nbsp;feel".</p>

<p>With Kaepernick still unable to find a job in the NFL, not everyone was convinced by Goodell or by San Francisco 49ers chief executive Jed York, who pledged $1 million to combat systemic racial discrimination.</p>

<p>Former 49er Eric Reid, who knelt alongside Kaepernick, tweeted: "Nobody wants your money Jed. We want justice."</p>


NBA legend Michael Jordan decried "ingrained racism" in the United States as the sports world's reaction to the death of unarmed black man George Floyd leapt leagues and continents.

NBA legend Michael Jordan decried "ingrained racism" in the United States as the sports world's reaction to the death of unarmed black man George Floyd leapt leagues and continents. "I am deeply saddened, truly pained and plain angry," Jordan said Sunday, as protests over Floyd's death on May 25 spawned violence and looting across the US. "I stand with those who are calling out the ingrained racism and violence toward people of color in our country. "We have had enough," added Jordan, who was famously reluctant to comment on social issues during his playing career. Floyd died after a white policeman in Minneapolis held his knee on the handcuffed man's neck for several minutes. "We need to continue peaceful expressions against injustice and demand accountability," Jordan said. Jordan joined a chorus of voices from the NBA, NFL and other US sports demanding change for black Americans, but the demands went far beyond America. World champion driver Lewis Hamilton lashed out at "white-dominated" Formula One for failing to speak out against racism. Hamilton warned "I know who you are and I see you" as the Briton accused his fellow drivers of "staying silent in the midst of injustice" following Floyd's death. French footballer Marcus Thuram and England international Jadon Sancho both mounted individual protests calling for justice for Floyd after scoring in Germany's Bundesliga on Sunday. Thuram took a knee after his goal for Borussia Moenchengladbach in a match against Union Berlin, while Sancho marked one of his three goals for Borussia Dortmund against Paderborn by lifting his jersey to reveal a T-shirt bearing the words "Justice for George Floyd". Thuram's gesture echoed the protest against US racism spearheaded by former NFL quarterback Colin Kaepernick, whose decision to kneel during the national anthem at games in 2016 sparked outrage. NBA Commissioner Adam Silver sent an internal memo to the league's employees saying it shares "the outrage" at the death of Floyd -- which comes in the wake of the police killing in Kentucky of emergency health worker Breonna Taylor in her home, and the fatal shooting of unarmed black jogger Ahmaud Arbery. "We are being reminded that there are wounds in our country that have never healed," Silver said in the memo published by Yahoo. "Racism, police brutality and racial injustice remain part of everyday life in America and cannot be ignored." With US pro sports on hold during the coronavirus pandemic, American athletes had no chance to demonstrate on the field of play. Boston Celtics forward Jaylen Brown drove 15 hours to lead a peaceful protest march in Atlanta, Georgia. "First and foremost, I'm a black man and I'm a member of this community," the Georgia native said. - 'Too many tragedies' - Los Angeles Clippers coach Doc Rivers, himself the son of a policeman, said that as violence escalated it was imperative to keep Floyd's death at the forefront. "The response we are seeing across the nation, to the murder of George Floyd, is decades in the making," Rivers said in a statement. "Too often, people rush to judge the response, instead of the actions that prompted it. "We have allowed too many tragedies to pass in vain. This isn't an African-American issue. This is a human issue," Rivers said. US tennis great Serena Williams posted an Instagram video featuring a young African-American girl overcome by emotion as she addressed a public meeting, finally able to force out the words: "We are black people, and we shouldn't have to feel like this." Teenage tennis phenomenon Coco Gauff had a simple question on her Instagram post: "Am I next?" And two-time Grand Slam winner Naomi Osaka, whose mother is Japanese and father Haitian, reminded her social media followers: "Just because it isn't happening to you doesn't mean it isn't happening at all." NFL commissioner Roger Goodell said the violent protests "reflect the pain, anger and frustration that so many of us feel". With Kaepernick still unable to find a job in the NFL, not everyone was convinced by Goodell or by San Francisco 49ers chief executive Jed York, who pledged $1 million to combat systemic racial discrimination. Former 49er Eric Reid, who knelt alongside Kaepernick, tweeted: "Nobody wants your money Jed. We want justice."

'Plain angry' Jordan joins sports world's call for change after Floyd death