US embassies authorized to hang Black Lives Matter flags, banners on anniversary of Floyd’s murder – By Conor Finnegan (ABC News) / May 26 2021
The secretary of state encouraged U.S. posts to promote racial justice overseas.
In advance of the one-year anniversary of George Floyd’s murder, Secretary of State Antony Blinken authorized all U.S. embassies and consulates overseas to fly the Black Lives Matter flag on their official flagpole this year, according to an internal memo obtained by ABC News.
All U.S. diplomatic posts are “strongly encouraged” to use the department’s resources “to promote policy objectives to advance racial equity and support for underserved communities,” especially on May 25 and during June to commemorate Juneteenth, according to Blinken’s memo.
That includes support for using “the term ‘Black Lives Matter’ in messaging content, speeches, and other diplomatic engagements with foreign audiences to advance racial equity and access to justice on May 25 and beyond.”
That push to promote racial justice and equality has been a cornerstone of Blinken’s short time at the agency, rankling critics, including his predecessor Mike Pompeo.
