May 25 marks one year since George Floyd was murdered in Minneapolis, Minnesota after former police officer Derek Chauvin kneeled on his neck for more than nine minutes.
On the anniversary of Floyd’s murder, the Embassy of the United States in Athens unfurled a Black Lives Matter banner.
“We raise this banner in honor of George Floyd, murdered one year ago today, in solidarity with people around the globe seeking a world without racial discrimination and a future with equal opportunity for all. #BlackLivesMatter,” the embassy posted on Twitter.
We raise this banner in honor of George Floyd, murdered one year ago today, in solidarity with people around the globe seeking a world without racial discrimination and a future with equal opportunity for all. #BlackLivesMatter pic.twitter.com/cVIkfH5Yra
— U.S. Embassy Athens (@USEmbassyAthens) May 25, 2021
A flag was also raised at the United States Consulate General in Thessaloniki.
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
“The United States remains concerned about the racial and ethnic injustices against people of color and other marginalized communities both domestically and abroad,” a State Department spokesperson told Foreign Policy, in confirming the approval of the banners. "We encourage our missions around the world to focus on eliminating systemic racism and its global impact.”
His Eminence Archbishop Elpidophoros of America also marked one year since George Floyd's death.
"On this anniversary of the death of George Floyd, let us join together and redouble our efforts for racial justice for all people. Let his death be a cause for the peaceful and righteous work that leads to a better and more equitable society for everyone," Archbishop Elpidophoros tweeted.
George Floyd
Floyd’s death on May 25, 2020, was captured by a bystander.
It showed now-fired police officer Derek Chauvin kneeling on Floyd’s neck for 9 minutes and 29 seconds as the unarmed and handcuffed Black man repeatedly begged for mercy, said he couldn’t breathe and cried out for his dead mother.
Floyd was taken into custody on suspicion of using a counterfeit $20 bill to buy cigarettes.
He became unresponsive under Chauvin’s knee and was in cardiac arrest with no pulse when the white officer finally relented, according to testimony at Chauvin’s recent murder trial.
Chauvin was convicted of second-degree murder, third-degree murder and second-degree manslaughter on April 20. He is due to be sentenced June 25.
Three other fired officers involved in the deadly arrest are due to face trial next year.
*More on GCT: George Floyd murals in Greece
