State Department unfurls Black Lives Matter flag. U.S. diplomats unfurled Black Lives Matter banners to commemorate the first anniversary of George Floyd’s murder, as Secretary of State Antony Blinken launched a public relations campaign to condemn racism at home and abroad. “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,” Blinken wrote on Twitter, with an accompanying video. “By addressing our shortcomings openly and honestly, we live up to the values that we stand for worldwide.” Some embassies posted banners displaying the logo while others promoted a video compilation of remarks from American officials and activists. The public campaign dovetails with a reported memo that gave diplomats “an authorization, not a requirement” to embrace the banners. “As a general matter, we don’t comment on the authenticity or veracity of allegedly leaked documents,” a State Department spokesperson told the Washington Examiner.