The response of Americans and Gambians to the tragic death of George Floyd is profound pain and anger, as well as a pressing legitimate need to express frustration and seek truth and justice.
Healthy democracies require freedom of speech and peaceful assembly. Those who peacefully gather in our two countries and in democracies around the world to demand justice, an end to racism and discrimination, and meaningful reform are putting into action our shared values of democracy and respect for the human rights and human dignity for all.
In the words of an American hero, Rev. Martin Luther King Jr., “Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere.” But, “we must not allow our creative protest to degenerate into physical violence.”
We must hear the demands for true equality and justice, and we must all as individuals, and as persons united in our determination, act in our daily lives to put into place a world that realizes true equality and justice. That is my solemn conviction, and that of my entire team. We are committed to listening and I invite you to watch this video on the Embassy Facebook page and to leave your comments.
– Ambassador R. Carl Paschall, U.S. Embassy Banjul
