U.S. embassies and consulates worldwide displayed the flag of Black Lives Matter (BLM) — an organization founded by a self-avowed “trained Marxist” — on Tuesday to mark the one-year anniversary of the death of George Floyd, a black American who died while in police custody in Minneapolis, Minnesota last May.
The U.S. State Department authorized the BLM flag’s display at all U.S. “Diplomatic and Consular posts” on May 25 through a leaked memo published by Human Events.
“The Department supports the use of 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. We encourage posts to focus on the need to eliminate systemic racism and its continued impact,” the memo read.
“This cable constitutes a blanket written authorization for calendar year 2021 from the Under Secretary for Management (M) to display the BLM flag on the external-facing flagpole to any Chiefs of Mission who determine such a display is appropriate in light of local conditions,” the memo further read while noting, “This is an authorization, not a requirement.”
As we mark the 1-year anniversary of the murder of George Floyd, we are reminded of injustices that persist and our commitment - and obligation - to seek justice, equality, and respect for all. #BLM pic.twitter.com/udiyt5JMaY
— Ambassador W. Patrick Murphy (@USAmbCambodia) May 25, 2021
Today marks a year since the brutal murder of George Floyd. The senseless killing spurred Black Lives Matter protests to demand an end to systemic racism, what @SecBlinken has called "a time of reckoning in our nation." pic.twitter.com/c2gPTVH1WF
— US Embassy Sarajevo (@USEmbassySJJ) May 25, 2021
We raise this flag to mark one year since the murder of George Floyd - we honor Mr. Floyd and stand in solidarity with other nations to advance racial justice, a key priority within U.S. foreign policy #BLM pic.twitter.com/IdApjPaJYR
— US Consulate Thess (@USConsulateThes) May 25, 2021
On the anniversary of George Floyd's murder, we remember that to be a credible force for human rights around the world, we must face the reality of racism at home. By addressing our shortcomings openly and honestly, we live up to the values that we stand for worldwide. pic.twitter.com/SIw6EAy62x
— Secretary Antony Blinken (@SecBlinken) May 25, 2021
via joemiller