skynewsus--2020-06-18--Half-brother of a black man found hanged in US park shot dead by sheriff's deputies

The half-brother of Robert Fuller , a black man found hanged in a California park , has been shot dead by Los Angeles County sheriff 's deputies .
Authorities say Terron Jammal Boone was being sought for suspected kidnapping , spousal assault and assault with a deadly weapon .
A statement issued by the Los Angeles County Sheriff 's Department claims that when detectives tried to stop a car he was in , he opened the passenger door and began shooting .
They say a woman driving the car was struck by gunfire and was treated and released from a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the car was not hurt .
They added that the woman in the car was not the accuser in the spousal assault case .
The shootout erupted on Wednesday afternoon in the desert community of Rosamond , north of Los Angeles , officials said .
Boone was identified by an attorney representing the family of Robert Fuller , a 24-year-old man who was found hanging from a tree in Palmdale last week .
Officials say the death appeared to be a suicide but family members have disputed that .
Attorney Jamon Hicks @ @ @ @ @ @ @ this time , until we receive all of the information , the family and their legal team does n't have any further comment on this incident .
`` The family respectfully asks that their privacy be respected . ''
Boone had been charged in Los Angeles County Superior Court on Tuesday with assault with a deadly weapon , false imprisonment , domestic violence and criminal threats .
Fuller 's body was discovered last week in a park near Palmdale City Hall .
The county medical examiner-coroner 's office said he appeared to have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ conducted on Friday .
His family believe he was not suicidal and the finding prompted an outcry .
: : Listen to Divided States on Apple podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , and Spreaker They have been joined by community members in calling for an independent investigation and post-mortem .
More than 1,000 people attended a protest and memorial on Saturday around the tree where Fuller 's body was found .
The city of Palmdale issued a statement in support of an independent inquiry .
Federal authorities said they would review local @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and of Malcolm Harsch , a 38-year-old homeless black man who was found hanging from a tree on May 31 in Victorville , a desert city in San Bernardino County east of Palmdale .
Although local authorities have said there is no evidence of foul play in either death , sheriffs have vowed to continue investigating .

The half-brother of Robert Fuller, a black man found hanged in a California park, has been shot dead by Los Angeles County sheriff's deputies.
Authorities say Terron Jammal Boone was being sought for suspected kidnapping, spousal assault and assault with a deadly weapon.
A statement issued by the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department claims that when detectives tried to stop a car he was in, he opened the passenger door and began shooting.
They say a woman driving the car was struck by gunfire and was treated and released from a hospital, and that a 7-year-old girl in the car was not hurt.
They added that the woman in the car was not the accuser in the spousal assault case.
The shootout erupted on Wednesday afternoon in the desert community of Rosamond, north of Los Angeles, officials said.
Boone was identified by an attorney representing the family of Robert Fuller, a 24-year-old man who was found hanging from a tree in Palmdale last week.
Officials say the death appeared to be a suicide but family members have disputed that.
Attorney Jamon Hicks said in a statement: "At this time, until we receive all of the information, the family and their legal team doesn't have any further comment on this incident.
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Image: Demonstrators at a protest rally for Robert Fuller
"The family respectfully asks that their privacy be respected."
Boone had been charged in Los Angeles County Superior Court on Tuesday with assault with a deadly weapon, false imprisonment, domestic violence and criminal threats.
Fuller's body was discovered last week in a park near Palmdale City Hall.
The county medical examiner-coroner's office said he appeared to have killed himself, after a post-mortem was conducted on Friday.
His family believe he was not suicidal and the finding prompted an outcry.
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They have been joined by community members in calling for an independent investigation and post-mortem.
More than 1,000 people attended a protest and memorial on Saturday around the tree where Fuller's body was found.
The city of Palmdale issued a statement in support of an independent inquiry.
Federal authorities said they would review local investigations into the hanging deaths of Fuller and of Malcolm Harsch, a 38-year-old homeless black man who was found hanging from a tree on May 31 in Victorville, a desert city in San Bernardino County east of Palmdale.
Although local authorities have said there is no evidence of foul play in either death, sheriffs have vowed to continue investigating.


skynewsus--2020-06-18--Boy, 12, signs deal with Warner Records after viral protest song

A 12-year-old boy , whose protest song went viral in the wake of George Floyd 's killing , has signed a deal with Warner Records .
Keedron Bryant 's a cappella song , I Just Wan na Live , will be officially released by the record company on Friday to coincide with Juneteenth , the annual commemoration of the emancipation of slaves in the US .
Speaking about the song , Keedron - who turns 13 in July - said he was excited to work with Warner , and to record more songs himself .
He added that while the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , he thought there was `` still hope in the world that we can change the world '' .
Video of Keedron 's passionate performance , uploaded to Instagram the day after Mr Floyd 's death in police custody in Minneapolis , shows him singing about life as a black man and `` being hunted as prey '' .
He sings : `` I 'm a young black man , doing all that I can to stand .
Oh , but when I look around , and I see what 's being done @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 'm being hunted as prey .
My people do n't want no trouble . ''
The Instagram video has since been viewed millions of times and has attracted legions of famous supporters , including Barack Obama , LeBron James , Janet Jackson and Lupita Nyong ' o .
Earlier in the week , Keedron said he had found it an `` exciting experience '' working with his mother , Johnnetta , who added that watching the video of Mr Floyd 's death as a police officer knelt on his neck for eight minutes @ @ @ @ @ @ @ affected her .
She said : `` Because I am a mum to a black son .
I have a black husband .
I have black brothers , uncles , cousins , friends . ''
As Keedron 's video began to go viral last month , music producer Dem Jointz said it had `` moved '' him to write music to accompany his voice , which he said had `` hit me in the gut '' .
The reworked version of the song went on to get the further attention of Chris Atlas @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Warner Records , and later to the deal being signed .
`` I was already moved by the record , but hearing the vocals over the production , it just hit me in another way , '' Mr Atlas said .
`` I was like , 'Wow this is an amazing song . '
We should be a part of making sure the world hears this on a larger capacity but then also donate proceeds from the song to the right cause .
`` That 's actually giving back and using music as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ believe it is . ''

A 12-year-old boy, whose protest song went viral in the wake of George Floyd's killing, has signed a deal with Warner Records.
Keedron Bryant's a cappella song, I Just Wanna Live, will be officially released by the record company on Friday to coincide with Juneteenth, the annual commemoration of the emancipation of slaves in the US.
Speaking about the song, Keedron - who turns 13 in July - said he was excited to work with Warner, and to record more songs himself.
He added that while the lyrics were "kind of sad", he thought there was "still hope in the world that we can change the world".
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Video of Keedron's passionate performance, uploaded to Instagram the day after Mr Floyd's death in police custody in Minneapolis, shows him singing about life as a black man and "being hunted as prey".
He sings: "I'm a young black man, doing all that I can to stand. Oh, but when I look around, and I see what's being done to my kind. Every day I'm being hunted as prey. My people don't want no trouble."
The Instagram video has since been viewed millions of times and has attracted legions of famous supporters, including Barack Obama, LeBron James, Janet Jackson and Lupita Nyong'o.
Earlier in the week, Keedron said he had found it an "exciting experience" working with his mother, Johnnetta, who added that watching the video of Mr Floyd's death as a police officer knelt on his neck for eight minutes and 46 seconds had "deeply" affected her.
She said: "Because I am a mum to a black son. I have a black husband. I have black brothers, uncles, cousins, friends."
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As Keedron's video began to go viral last month, music producer Dem Jointz said it had "moved" him to write music to accompany his voice, which he said had "hit me in the gut".
The reworked version of the song went on to get the further attention of Chris Atlas, the head of urban marketing at Warner Records, and later to the deal being signed.
"I was already moved by the record, but hearing the vocals over the production, it just hit me in another way," Mr Atlas said.
"I was like, 'Wow this is an amazing song.' We should be a part of making sure the world hears this on a larger capacity but then also donate proceeds from the song to the right cause.
"That's actually giving back and using music as a healing mechanism, which I truly believe it is."


skynewsus--2020-06-18--Harry Dunn's parents refused documents on 'secret agreement' with US

The High Court has refused an application by Harry Dunn 's parents for the Foreign Office to disclose evidence relating to a `` secret agreement '' between the UK and US governments , which is said to have given diplomatic immunity to their son 's alleged killer .
Charlotte Charles and Tim Dunn claim Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab and Northamptonshire Police acted unlawfully over the departure of Anne Sacoolas from the UK .
Harry Dunn , 19 , was killed in August when his motorbike crashed into a Volvo driving on the wrong side of the road outside RAF Croughton @ @ @ @ @ @ @ husband Jonathan Sacoolas worked as a technical assistant at the base , claimed diplomatic immunity following the crash and was able to return to the US .
The 42-year-old was later charged with causing death by dangerous driving in December , however an extradition request was refused by the US the following month .
Mr Dunn 's parents argue that the Foreign Office `` acted unlawfully by proceeding as if Anne Sacoolas conclusively had immunity and/or advising other state bodies that she did '' , which they say prevented Northamptonshire Police `` from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ immunity issue '' .
In a so-called `` Exchange of Notes '' between the UK and US in 1994-95 , an agreement was made over immunity for administrative and technical staff at RAF Croughton `` on the understanding that the United States government ... waives the immunity ... in respect of acts performed outside the course of their duties '' .
But another document disclosed by the Foreign Office - a briefing note sent to Sir Tony Baldry , then a junior minister at the department , in May 1995 - has shown @ @ @ @ @ @ @ accident involving the claim of immunity could make the local if not national headlines '' .
After a preliminary hearing on Thursday , conducted remotely by video call , Lord Justice Flaux and Mr Justice Saini rejected the application for the Foreign Office to disclose further evidence ahead of a full hearing .
Lord Justice Flaux said : `` We do not consider that any of the documents sought is necessary for the fair and just determination of the issues in the case , so that application is refused . ''
The court @ @ @ @ @ @ @ expert evidence from Sir Ivor Roberts , `` one of the country 's most distinguished diplomats '' .
Lord Justice Flaux added : `` Whilst we , of course , acknowledge his eminence , we do not consider any of that evidence to be admissible or relevant to the issues we have to decide . ''
Geoffrey Robertson QC , representing Mrs Charles and Mr Dunn , earlier told the court that the Foreign Office `` has through its actions obstructed a criminal investigation , under pressure from the United States '' .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ only limited '' immunity from prosecution in relation to `` acts performed in the course of his duties '' , and that his wife entered the UK with `` none at all since she would perform no duties relating to the mission '' .
The court directed that a full hearing of Mrs Charles and Mr Dunn 's case will be heard in October or November .

The Foreign Office has been accused of "obstructing a criminal investigation, under pressure from the United States" at a High Court hearing.
Charlotte Charles and Tim Dunn claim Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab and Northamptonshire Police acted unlawfully over the departure of Anne Sacoolas from the UK.
Geoffrey Robertson QC, representing Mrs Charles and Mr Dunn, told the court that the Foreign Office "has through its actions obstructed a criminal investigation, under pressure from the United States".
Harry Dunn, 19, was killed in August when his motorbike crashed into a Volvo driving on the wrong side of the road outside RAF Croughton in Northamptonshire.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:30 'Anne Sacoolas needs to come back'
Mrs Sacoolas, whose husband Jonathan Sacoolas worked as a technical assistant at the base, claimed diplomatic immunity following the crash and was able to return to the US.
The 42-year-old was later charged with causing death by dangerous driving in December, however an extradition request was refused by the US the following month.
Mr Dunn's parents argue that the Foreign Office "acted unlawfully by proceeding as if Anne Sacoolas conclusively had immunity and/or advising other state bodies that she did", which they say prevented Northamptonshire Police "from reaching an informed view as to the immunity issue".
In a so-called "Exchange of Notes" between the UK and US in 1994-95, an agreement was made over immunity for administrative and technical staff at RAF Croughton "on the understanding that the United States government ... waives the immunity ... in respect of acts performed outside the course of their duties".
But another document disclosed by the Foreign Office - a briefing note sent to Sir Tony Baldry, then a junior minister at the department, in May 1995 - has shown that concerns were raised that "an accident involving the claim of immunity could make the local if not national headlines".
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Image: Anne Sacoolas claimed diplomatic immunity and left for the US
After a preliminary hearing on Thursday, conducted remotely by video call, Lord Justice Flaux and Mr Justice Saini rejected the application for the Foreign Office to disclose further evidence ahead of a full hearing.
Lord Justice Flaux said: "We do not consider that any of the documents sought is necessary for the fair and just determination of the issues in the case, so that application is refused."
The court also refused an application to rely on expert evidence from Sir Ivor Roberts, "one of the country's most distinguished diplomats".
Lord Justice Flaux added: "Whilst we, of course, acknowledge his eminence, we do not consider any of that evidence to be admissible or relevant to the issues we have to decide."
Image: RAF Croughton
Image: There have been protests outside the RAF base
Mr Robertson argued that Mr Sacoolas had "only limited" immunity from prosecution in relation to "acts performed in the course of his duties", and that his wife entered the UK with "none at all since she would perform no duties relating to the mission".
The court directed that a full hearing of Mrs Charles and Mr Dunn's case will be heard in October or November.


skynewsus--2020-06-19--Facebook takes down Trump campaign ad that featured symbol once used by the Nazis

Facebook has removed a campaign advert by Donald Trump and Mike Pence that featured a symbol once used by the Nazis .
The upside-down red triangle was used by the Nazis to designate political prisoners , communists , and others in concentration camps .
The $ 17,000 ( £13,670 ) ad campaign had launched on Wednesday .
Facebook said it had removed the ads on Thursday because they violated `` our policy against organised hate '' .
Nathaniel Gleicher , the company 's head of security policy , told a hearing of the house intelligence committee that Facebook does not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ideology `` unless they 're put up with context or condemnation '' .
`` In a situation where we do n't see either of those , we do n't allow it on the platform and we remove it .
That 's what we saw in this case with this ad , and anywhere that that symbol is used , we would take the same action , '' he added .
But Trump communications director Tim Murtaugh claimed the symbol was used by Antifa so had been included in an ad about the anti-fascist @ @ @ @ @ @ @ violence during recent Black Lives Matter protests .
Mark Bray , a Rutgers University historian , told the Associated Press that the symbol is no longer widely used by anti-fascist groups in Europe or US Antifa groups .
Mr Murtaugh also said the symbol was not in the Anti-Defamation League 's database of hate symbols but the league responded to this by saying the database only includes symbols that are still in use .
ADL chief executive officer Jonathan Greenblatt said : `` Whether aware of the history or meaning , for the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ one which is practically identical to that used by the Nazi regime to classify political prisoners in concentration camps - to attack his opponents is offensive and deeply troubling . ''
: : Listen to Divided States on Apple podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , and Spreaker The Facebook move comes after the social networking website 's chief executive Mark Zuckerberg was criticised for not taking action against earlier Trump posts described as spreading misinformation and encouraging violence against protesters .
Late on Thursday , Mr Trump posted two videos on Twitter @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the social networking website as `` manipulated media '' .
The video , titled Terrified Todler ( sic ) Runs From Racist Baby had been created to make it look as if it was from CNN but Twitter 's labelling made clear that the post breached its synthetic and manipulated media policy .
The policy says a user `` may not deceptively promote synthetic or manipulated media that are likely to cause harm '' .
It comes amid growing concern that players in the US or from outside could be spreading misinformation to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ speaking at the house intelligence committee hearing was Twitter 's public policy strategy and development director Nick Pickles , who said that the threat had not diminished - it had simply evolved .
Commenting on China 's likening of police brutality in the US to the criticism it faced for its treatment of protesters in Hong Kong , Mr Pickles said : `` That shift from platform manipulation to overt state assets is something that we 've observed . ''

Facebook has removed a campaign advert by Donald Trump and Mike Pence that featured a symbol once used by the Nazis.
The upside-down red triangle was used by the Nazis to designate political prisoners, communists, and others in concentration camps.
The $17,000 (£13,670) ad campaign had launched on Wednesday.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:21 May: 'If I could legally shut down Twitter, I would'
Facebook said it had removed the ads on Thursday because they violated "our policy against organised hate".
Nathaniel Gleicher, the company's head of security policy, told a hearing of the house intelligence committee that Facebook does not permit the use of symbols of hateful ideology "unless they're put up with context or condemnation".
"In a situation where we don't see either of those, we don't allow it on the platform and we remove it. That's what we saw in this case with this ad, and anywhere that that symbol is used, we would take the same action," he added.
But Trump communications director Tim Murtaugh claimed the symbol was used by Antifa so had been included in an ad about the anti-fascist group, which Trump has blamed for violence during recent Black Lives Matter protests.
Mark Bray, a Rutgers University historian, told the Associated Press that the symbol is no longer widely used by anti-fascist groups in Europe or US Antifa groups.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:56 Eyewitness: US protests erupt
Mr Murtaugh also said the symbol was not in the Anti-Defamation League's database of hate symbols but the league responded to this by saying the database only includes symbols that are still in use.
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ADL chief executive officer Jonathan Greenblatt said: "Whether aware of the history or meaning, for the Trump campaign to use a symbol - one which is practically identical to that used by the Nazi regime to classify political prisoners in concentration camps - to attack his opponents is offensive and deeply troubling."
:: Listen to Divided States on Apple podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, and Spreaker
The Facebook move comes after the social networking website's chief executive Mark Zuckerberg was criticised for not taking action against earlier Trump posts described as spreading misinformation and encouraging violence against protesters.
Late on Thursday, Mr Trump posted two videos on Twitter, one of which was labelled by the social networking website as "manipulated media".
The video, titled Terrified Todler (sic) Runs From Racist Baby had been created to make it look as if it was from CNN but Twitter's labelling made clear that the post breached its synthetic and manipulated media policy.
The policy says a user "may not deceptively promote synthetic or manipulated media that are likely to cause harm".
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 2:24 John Bolton criticises Trump in new book
It comes amid growing concern that players in the US or from outside could be spreading misinformation to influence the November presidential election.
Also speaking at the house intelligence committee hearing was Twitter's public policy strategy and development director Nick Pickles, who said that the threat had not diminished - it had simply evolved.
Commenting on China's likening of police brutality in the US to the criticism it faced for its treatment of protesters in Hong Kong, Mr Pickles said: "That shift from platform manipulation to overt state assets is something that we've observed."


skynewsus--2020-06-19--'Just drop it!': Cheers as Confederate monument taken down in Georgia

A Confederate monument has been removed in Georgia with hundreds of onlookers chanting : `` Just drop it ! ''
The stone obelisk had been in place in Decatur since 1908 , but more recently became a flashpoint for protests over police brutality and racial injustice following the death of George Floyd .
Last week a state judge ordered its removal by 26 June following a request from the city as it had become a threat to public safety .
His order came hours before a white Atlanta police officer fatally shot a black man , 27-year-old Rayshard Brooks , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the region .
However , the Lost Cause monument came down on the eve of Juneteenth - the holiday celebrating the day in 1865 that all enslaved black people learned they had been freed .
Workers chipped it loose and a crane came in to remove it as the crowd jeered and chanted .
Mawuli Davis , of the Beacon Hill Black Alliance for Human Rights , said : `` This feels great .
This is a people 's victory .
`` All of our young people from Decatur High School that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ organisers , everybody came together .
`` This is it .
This is a victory for this country .
This is an example of what can happen when people work together . ''
Groups have been pushing for the monument to be removed since the deadly 2017 white nationalist rally in Charlottesville , Virginia .
: : Listen to Divided States on Apple podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , and Spreaker Megan Beezley , a resident , said : `` It 's always been troubling to see that monument over there on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ lot of time up here and it 's troubling that our friends and our loved ones and other people of colour have to look at that monument to slavery and to the Confederacy . ''
A marker added last September said the monument was erected to `` glorify the 'lost cause ' of the Confederacy '' and has `` bolstered white supremacy and faulty history '' .

A Confederate monument has been removed in Georgia with hundreds of onlookers chanting: "Just drop it!"
The stone obelisk had been in place in Decatur since 1908, but more recently became a flashpoint for protests over police brutality and racial injustice following the death of George Floyd.
Last week a state judge ordered its removal by 26 June following a request from the city as it had become a threat to public safety.
Image: The crowd jeered and chanted: 'Just drop it!'
His order came hours before a white Atlanta police officer fatally shot a black man, 27-year-old Rayshard Brooks, in the back, sparking renewed protests in the region.
However, the Lost Cause monument came down on the eve of Juneteenth - the holiday celebrating the day in 1865 that all enslaved black people learned they had been freed.
Workers chipped it loose and a crane came in to remove it as the crowd jeered and chanted.
Mawuli Davis, of the Beacon Hill Black Alliance for Human Rights, said: "This feels great. This is a people's victory.
Image: A Georgia judge ordered its removal following a number of protests
"All of our young people from Decatur High School that made this happen. All of these organisers, everybody came together.
"This is it. This is a victory for this country. This is an example of what can happen when people work together."
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Groups have been pushing for the monument to be removed since the deadly 2017 white nationalist rally in Charlottesville, Virginia.
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Megan Beezley, a resident, said: "It's always been troubling to see that monument over there on the square.
"We spend a lot of time up here and it's troubling that our friends and our loved ones and other people of colour have to look at that monument to slavery and to the Confederacy."
A marker added last September said the monument was erected to "glorify the 'lost cause' of the Confederacy" and has "bolstered white supremacy and faulty history".


skynewsus--2020-06-18--Juneteenth: The story behind the celebration - and why Trump is getting involved

The US president must have been speaking for himself when he claimed `` nobody had ever heard of it '' - as Juneteenth has been celebrated every 19 June for over 150 years .
The day when millions of African-Americans across the country mark freedom from slavery , the unofficial holiday gets its name from combining June and 19 .
It is also known as `` Juneteenth Independence Day '' , `` Freedom Day '' or `` Emancipation Day '' .
How did it come about ?
After it was issued on 1 January 1863 , it took over two-and-a-half @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Throughout that period , thousands of Black Americans did not know about their freedom .
Enslaved labour continued in southern states because of resistance to the proclamation .
Juneteenth celebrates 19 June 1865 , when federal troops arrived in Galveston , Texas , bringing freedom to the last remaining slaves .
How is it celebrated ?
The 1865 celebrations included prayer , dance and feasts .
They became annual events whose traditions have continued to this day .
They include religious services and readings of the Emancipation Proclamation .
There is a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ arranging barbecues and picnics .
There are also parades , family get-togethers , park parties , historical re-enactments , blues festivals and Miss Juneteenth contests .
Despite many official celebrations being cancelled because of coronavirus , there is an extra significance and weight surrounding this year 's Juneteenth .
Why is it so important this year ?
The US is in the middle of what many people believe could be a moment of real change .
The death of George Floyd convulsed America .
Grief and anger at the killing of yet another @ @ @ @ @ @ @ brought thousands of people to the streets .
George Floyd 's name became a rallying cry that re-energised the Black Lives Matter movement .
Changes have already rippled across the US .
Officers in the cases of George Floyd and the killing of Rayshard Brooks in Atlanta , Georgia have been swiftly and forcefully charged .
: : Listen to Divided States on Apple podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , and Spreaker Chokeholds were immediately banned in Minneapolis and there have been moves to make that ban nationwide .
Democrats in Congress @ @ @ @ @ @ @ police .
Donald Trump signed an executive order that , among other things , calls for a nationwide database to track police officers with excessive misconduct complaints .
Major US companies have demonstrated their support of the Black Lives Matter movement , with some firing employees who mocked Mr Floyd 's death .
With this backdrop Juneteenth feels different - a day to reflect not just on past freedom but a moment to acknowledge the challenges racism still brings to modern America and the possibility of progress .
Why is Donald Trump getting @ @ @ @ @ @ @ disapprove of the president 's handling of the protests and the underlying racial issues .
So when he scheduled his first campaign rally since the coronavirus outbreak for Juneteenth , the criticism was inevitably sharp .
It was not just the date but the location that sparked anger .
Tulsa , Oklahoma was the site of one of America 's worst incidents of racist violence .
A wealthy black business district known as Black Wall Street was attacked by white mobs who killed as many as 300 people in 1921 .
In an @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the criticism and moved the rally to the following day .

The US president must have been speaking for himself when he claimed "nobody had ever heard of it" - as Juneteenth has been celebrated every 19 June for over 150 years.
The day when millions of African-Americans across the country mark freedom from slavery, the unofficial holiday gets its name from combining June and 19.
It is also known as "Juneteenth Independence Day", "Freedom Day" or "Emancipation Day".
Image: Food plays a central role at many Juneteenth events
How did it come about?
Abraham Lincoln's Emancipation Proclamation did not free slaves overnight.
After it was issued on 1 January 1863, it took over two-and-a-half years for it to become a reality.
Throughout that period, thousands of Black Americans did not know about their freedom. Enslaved labour continued in southern states because of resistance to the proclamation.
Juneteenth celebrates 19 June 1865, when federal troops arrived in Galveston, Texas, bringing freedom to the last remaining slaves.
Image: Food plays a central role at many Juneteenth events
How is it celebrated?
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The 1865 celebrations included prayer, dance and feasts. They became annual events whose traditions have continued to this day.
They include religious services and readings of the Emancipation Proclamation. There is a big focus on food, with many arranging barbecues and picnics.
There are also parades, family get-togethers, park parties, historical re-enactments, blues festivals and Miss Juneteenth contests.
Despite many official celebrations being cancelled because of coronavirus, there is an extra significance and weight surrounding this year's Juneteenth.
Image: People attend Juneteenth celebrations in Richmond, California, in 2004
Why is it so important this year?
The US is in the middle of what many people believe could be a moment of real change. The death of George Floyd convulsed America.
Grief and anger at the killing of yet another black man at the hands of police brought thousands of people to the streets.
George Floyd's name became a rallying cry that re-energised the Black Lives Matter movement.
Changes have already rippled across the US. Officers in the cases of George Floyd and the killing of Rayshard Brooks in Atlanta, Georgia have been swiftly and forcefully charged.
Podcast Podcast , which may be using cookies and other technologies. To show you this content, we need your permission to use cookies. You can use the buttons below to amend your preferences to enable Podcast cookies or to allow those cookies just once. You can change your settings at any time via the This content is provided by, which may be using cookies and other technologies. To show you this content, we need your permission to use cookies. You can use the buttons below to amend your preferences to enablecookies or to allow those cookies just once. You can change your settings at any time via the Privacy Options Unfortunately we have been unable to verify if you have consented to Podcast cookies. To view this content you can use the button below to allow Podcast cookies for this session only. Enable Cookies Allow Cookies Once
:: Listen to Divided States on Apple podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, and Spreaker
Chokeholds were immediately banned in Minneapolis and there have been moves to make that ban nationwide.
Democrats in Congress introduced a bill targeting racial discrimination by police. Donald Trump signed an executive order that, among other things, calls for a nationwide database to track police officers with excessive misconduct complaints.
Major US companies have demonstrated their support of the Black Lives Matter movement, with some firing employees who mocked Mr Floyd's death.
With this backdrop Juneteenth feels different - a day to reflect not just on past freedom but a moment to acknowledge the challenges racism still brings to modern America and the possibility of progress.
Image: Donald Trump has shown an unusual willingness to heed criticism of an event scheduled to coincide with the yearly commemorations
Why is Donald Trump getting involved?
Polls have found most Americans disapprove of the president's handling of the protests and the underlying racial issues.
So when he scheduled his first campaign rally since the coronavirus outbreak for Juneteenth, the criticism was inevitably sharp.
It was not just the date but the location that sparked anger. Tulsa, Oklahoma was the site of one of America's worst incidents of racist violence.
A wealthy black business district known as Black Wall Street was attacked by white mobs who killed as many as 300 people in 1921.
In an unusual move, Trump appeared to heed the criticism and moved the rally to the following day.


skynewsus--2020-06-19--Judge extends restraining order against man who sat outside Billie Eilish's home and read a book

A judge has extended a restraining order taken out by Billie Eilish against a man who repeatedly visited her home in Los Angeles .
On one of the occasions , Prenell Rousseau sat on the porch and read a book .
Back in May , the 24-year-old from New York was banned from attempting to contact or coming within 100 yards ( 91m ) of the 18-year-old pop star or her parents .
Superior Court Judge Dianna Gould-Saltman , sitting in Los Angeles on Thursday , has now agreed to extend this for another three years .
Rousseau appeared at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ seven times on 4 and 5 May before being arrested for trespassing .
On the first occasion , he rang the doorbell and asked Eilish 's father via a surveillance camera if she lived there .
He was told he had the wrong house but he returned later the same evening , prompting the family to call their private security service .
In court documents , Eilish said : `` While we waited for security , Mr Rousseau remained on our porch , sat down and began to read a book , while @ @ @ @ @ @ @ monologue .
`` My father repeatedly asked him to leave , but he refused . ''
The family was scared of Rousseau , partly because he did not wear a face mask or gloves while repeatedly touching the doorbell and doorknob .
Eilish was not at the court hearing in person , but her lawyer had asked for a five-year restraining order .
The judge opted for three years on hearing that Rousseau had not attempted to visit Eilish since those two days in May .
The order , which also prohibits Rousseau @ @ @ @ @ @ @ near her workplaces , could still be extended at a later date if necessary , the judge added .
Rousseau was not at the hearing and he was not represented by a lawyer .

A judge has extended a restraining order taken out by Billie Eilish against a man who repeatedly visited her home in Los Angeles.
On one of the occasions, Prenell Rousseau sat on the porch and read a book.
Back in May, the 24-year-old from New York was banned from attempting to contact or coming within 100 yards (91m) of the 18-year-old pop star or her parents.
Superior Court Judge Dianna Gould-Saltman, sitting in Los Angeles on Thursday, has now agreed to extend this for another three years.
Rousseau appeared at the home Eilish shares with her parents seven times on 4 and 5 May before being arrested for trespassing.
On the first occasion, he rang the doorbell and asked Eilish's father via a surveillance camera if she lived there.
He was told he had the wrong house but he returned later the same evening, prompting the family to call their private security service.
In court documents, Eilish said: "While we waited for security, Mr Rousseau remained on our porch, sat down and began to read a book, while also continuing to engage in a periodic monologue.
"My father repeatedly asked him to leave, but he refused."
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The family was scared of Rousseau, partly because he did not wear a face mask or gloves while repeatedly touching the doorbell and doorknob.
Eilish was not at the court hearing in person, but her lawyer had asked for a five-year restraining order.
The judge opted for three years on hearing that Rousseau had not attempted to visit Eilish since those two days in May.
The order, which also prohibits Rousseau from harassing Eilish's family or coming near her workplaces, could still be extended at a later date if necessary, the judge added.
Rousseau was not at the hearing and he was not represented by a lawyer.


skynewsus--2020-06-19--Man banned from flying with airline for refusing to wear a face mask

A US airline has banned a man who refused to wear a face mask on one of its flights .
Conservative activist Brandon Straka ignored requests by crew members to wear a mask on an American Airlines flight from New York 's LaGuardia Airport on Wednesday .
Some 122 passengers were waiting for the flight to leave for Dallas Fort Worth when Mr Straka was ordered off the plane and put on a later flight .
In a statement supplied to Sky News , American Airlines said the incident had been `` thoroughly reviewed '' and that , as a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will not be permitted to fly American , as he failed to comply with our stated policy and crew member instructions '' .
`` We are committed to protecting the safety and well-being of our customers and team members , which is why we strengthened enforcement of our policy for required face coverings on board .
`` We expect customers who choose to fly with us to comply with these policies , and if necessary , we will deny future travel for customers who refuse to do so .
`` Restricting travel is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and it will only occur after a comprehensive review of the facts of an incident .
Mr Straka will be permitted to fly with us once face coverings are no longer required for customers . ''
Mr Straka had recorded an exchange with a flight attendant on the plane and then posted another video on Twitter after he was sent back to the departure gate .
And he wrote : `` I was just removed from my flight for not wearing a mask .
1st time this has happened .
Not a federal @ @ @ @ @ @ @ me telling me it 's THE LAW .
So much for 'please respect those who can not wear a mask ' .
When I pointed out this was n't a law I was removed . ''
He claimed he was asked by a flight attendant if he had a condition that prevents him from wearing a mask , to which he replied : `` Sanity . ''
The incident is among the first of its type since US airlines said this week that they would step up the enforcement of their rules regarding @ @ @ @ @ @ @ forcing passengers to wear a mask on flights - despite requests from airlines and unions representing aviation workers - but it is airline policy .
The requirements for passengers to wear face masks is among a number of rules brought in by many airlines in an effort to limit the spread of coronavirus , which causes COVID-19 .
Most of the airlines make exceptions for young children , for passengers while they are eating or drinking , and for those with some medical conditions .
More than 118,000 people have died after contracting @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the world .
Globally , there have been at least 453,268 fatalities , according to Johns Hopkins University .

A US airline has banned a man who refused to wear a face mask on one of its flights.
Conservative activist Brandon Straka ignored requests by crew members to wear a mask on an American Airlines flight from New York's LaGuardia Airport on Wednesday.
Some 122 passengers were waiting for the flight to leave for Dallas Fort Worth when Mr Straka was ordered off the plane and put on a later flight.
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In a statement supplied to Sky News, American Airlines said the incident had been "thoroughly reviewed" and that, as a result of this, Mr Straka "will not be permitted to fly American, as he failed to comply with our stated policy and crew member instructions".
"We are committed to protecting the safety and well-being of our customers and team members, which is why we strengthened enforcement of our policy for required face coverings on board.
"We expect customers who choose to fly with us to comply with these policies, and if necessary, we will deny future travel for customers who refuse to do so.
"Restricting travel is a step we take very seriously, and it will only occur after a comprehensive review of the facts of an incident. Mr Straka will be permitted to fly with us once face coverings are no longer required for customers."
Mr Straka had recorded an exchange with a flight attendant on the plane and then posted another video on Twitter after he was sent back to the departure gate.
And he wrote: "I was just removed from my flight for not wearing a mask. 1st time this has happened. Not a federal law. @AmericanAir staff standing over me telling me it's THE LAW. So much for 'please respect those who can not wear a mask'. When I pointed out this wasn't a law I was removed."
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He claimed he was asked by a flight attendant if he had a condition that prevents him from wearing a mask, to which he replied: "Sanity."
The incident is among the first of its type since US airlines said this week that they would step up the enforcement of their rules regarding masks.
There is no US law forcing passengers to wear a mask on flights - despite requests from airlines and unions representing aviation workers - but it is airline policy.
The requirements for passengers to wear face masks is among a number of rules brought in by many airlines in an effort to limit the spread of coronavirus, which causes COVID-19.
Most of the airlines make exceptions for young children, for passengers while they are eating or drinking, and for those with some medical conditions.
More than 118,000 people have died after contracting coronavirus in the US - the highest in the world.
Globally, there have been at least 453,268 fatalities, according to Johns Hopkins University.


skynewsus--2020-06-19--Into The Wild bus removed from Alaskan wilderness by helicopter

A bus abandoned in the Alaskan wilderness which was made famous by the book and film Into The Wild has been removed after tourists repeatedly had to be rescued while trying to reach it .
The 1940s-era vehicle was airlifted from its spot west of the Teklanika River on Thursday by a US Army helicopter .
The bus became famous when 24-year-old adventurer Chris McCandless lived in it during the summer of 1992 and died of starvation after 114 days in the wilderness .
His story was told by author Jon Krakauer in the 1996 book Into The Wild , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ directed by Sean Penn .
The National Guard said the bus was a public safety issue because it was encouraging fans of McCandless to venture into the dangerous Alaskan wild .
The Department of Natural Resources said there were 15 bus-related search and rescue operations between 2009 and 2017 .
Two travellers died after drowning while on their way to the vehicle in separate incidents in 2010 and 2019 .
As recently as February , Alaska State Troopers rescued five Italian hikers , one of whom suffered severe frostbite .
Locals had called @ @ @ @ @ @ @ danger caused by the bus .
Corri A Feige , commissioner for the Department of Natural Resources , said : `` We encourage people to enjoy Alaska 's wild areas safely , and we understand the hold this bus has had on the popular imagination .
`` However , this is an abandoned and deteriorating vehicle that was requiring dangerous and costly rescue efforts , but more importantly , was costing some visitors their lives .
I 'm glad we found a safe , respectful and economical solution to this situation . ''
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ about 60 years ago by a road crew .
It was removed by a CH-47 Chinook helicopter .
The aircrew also ensured the safe transportation of a suitcase that holds sentimental value to the McCandless family , the National Guard said .
Mr Feige said the bus will be stored at a `` secure site '' while the Department of Natural Resources considers a permanent place for it .

A bus abandoned in the Alaskan wilderness which was made famous by the book and film Into The Wild has been removed after tourists repeatedly had to be rescued while trying to reach it.
The 1940s-era vehicle was airlifted from its spot west of the Teklanika River on Thursday by a US Army helicopter.
Image: A Blackhawk hovers near the bus which was moved by a CH-47 Chinook
The bus became famous when 24-year-old adventurer Chris McCandless lived in it during the summer of 1992 and died of starvation after 114 days in the wilderness.
His story was told by author Jon Krakauer in the 1996 book Into The Wild, which was adapted into a 2007 film directed by Sean Penn.
The National Guard said the bus was a public safety issue because it was encouraging fans of McCandless to venture into the dangerous Alaskan wild.
The Department of Natural Resources said there were 15 bus-related search and rescue operations between 2009 and 2017.
Image: Adventurer Chris McCandless lived in the bus
Two travellers died after drowning while on their way to the vehicle in separate incidents in 2010 and 2019.
As recently as February, Alaska State Troopers rescued five Italian hikers, one of whom suffered severe frostbite.
Locals had called for authorities to reduce or eliminate the danger caused by the bus.
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Corri A Feige, commissioner for the Department of Natural Resources, said: "We encourage people to enjoy Alaska's wild areas safely, and we understand the hold this bus has had on the popular imagination.
"However, this is an abandoned and deteriorating vehicle that was requiring dangerous and costly rescue efforts, but more importantly, was costing some visitors their lives. I'm glad we found a safe, respectful and economical solution to this situation."
Image: The removal of the bus will be a relief for local authorities
The bus was hauled to the trail about 60 years ago by a road crew.
It was removed by a CH-47 Chinook helicopter. The aircrew also ensured the safe transportation of a suitcase that holds sentimental value to the McCandless family, the National Guard said.
Mr Feige said the bus will be stored at a "secure site" while the Department of Natural Resources considers a permanent place for it.


skynewsus--2020-06-19--'Horse seems to be out of the barn' on Bolton's book about Trump, says judge

A US judge has warned that it could be too late to stop the publication of a book about the Trump administration written by the president 's former national security adviser .
More than 200,000 copies of John Bolton 's book - The Room Where It Happened - have been printed and distributed and its contents have been the subject of numerous press reports .
But the US Department of Justice has gone to court to prevent the publication of the book and to retrieve copies already in circulation .
US district judge Royce Lamberth told the department 's lawyers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ out of the barn '' , wondering what he could do to pull back books already sent out `` all over the country '' .
The book includes claims that Donald Trump had been unaware that Britain was a nuclear power , that the president had asked if Finland was part of Russia , and that he had sought help from Chinese President Xi Jinping to win November 's presidential election in the US .
Mr Bolton was fired by Mr Trump in September after 17 months in the White House job and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ week that his former adviser `` broke the law '' in publishing the book .
He also tweeted that Mr Bolton was just trying to get even for being fired `` like the sick puppy he is ! ''
.
In court , justice department lawyer David Morrell said Mr Bolton had created a `` mess '' by publishing the book without what he described as formal authorisation that the manuscript was free of classified information .
Mr Morrell said : `` He has flung the barnyard doors open .
He has let @ @ @ @ @ @ @ looks at us collectively and says , 'What are you going to do about it ? '
`` Deterrence matters because there 's a massive government interest in ensuring that these agreements are n't breached by a disgruntled author . ''
: : Listen to Divided States on Apple podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , and Spreaker Mr Bolton should not be allowed to profit from flouting his contractual obligation to not disclose classified material he had access to while working at the White House , Mr Morrell added .
Mr Bolton @ @ @ @ @ @ @ way for the White House to censor his unflattering claims about the Trump administration .
In court papers , they wrote : `` If the First Amendment stands for anything , it is that the government does not have the power to clasp its hand over the mouth of a citizen attempting to speak on a matter of great public import . ''
Judge Lamberth said he will consider the arguments further ahead of a ruling , expected to be given before the book 's official launch on Tuesday .
Commenting on claims @ @ @ @ @ @ @ review process early , the judge said : `` He ca n't just walk away , and he did n't tell the government he was walking away . ''
But the judge also pressed the justice department on the White House 's conclusion that the manuscript contained classified information .
The court heard that Mr Bolton had been told on 27 April by the official responsible for overseeing the National Security Council 's pre-publication process that no classified material had been found in the manuscript .
Another White House official had done an @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .

Donald Trump's former national security adviser, John Bolton, can publish his tell-all book, a judge has ruled.
The White House tried to block the release of The Room Where It Happened and retrieve any copies already in the public domain.
Some 200,000 copies have already been printed and distributed and its contents have been the subject of numerous media reports.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 2:33 Trump: Fresh allegations from former aide
US district judge Roy Lamberth has now allowed full publication to go ahead, having previously warned that "the horse seems to be out of the barn".
He had pointed out that books had already been sent out "all over the country".
Mr Trump immediately tweeted an angry response, saying: "Wow, I finally agree with failed political consultant Steve Schmidt, who called Wacko John Bolton "a despicable man who failed in his duty to protect America." Also stated that he should never be allowed to serve in government again. So true! Plain and simple, John Bolton,....
".....who was all washed up until I brought him back and gave him a chance, broke the law by releasing Classified Information (in massive amounts). He must pay a very big price for this, as others have before him. This should never to happen again!!!"
He went on: "....Bolton broke the law and has been called out and rebuked for so doing, with a really big price to pay. He likes dropping bombs on people, and killing them. Now he will have bombs dropped on him!"
The book includes claims that Mr Trump had been unaware that Britain was a nuclear power, that the president had asked if Finland was part of Russia, and that he had sought help from Chinese President Xi Jinping to win November's presidential election in the US.
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Mr Trump said he sacked Mr Bolton in September after 17 months in the White House job and Mr Trump told Fox News earlier this week that his former adviser "broke the law" in publishing the book.
He also tweeted that Mr Bolton was just trying to get even for being fired "like the sick puppy he is!".
Mr Bolton claimed it was his own decision to leave the administration.
In court, justice department lawyer David Morrell said Mr Bolton had created a "mess" by publishing the book without what he described as formal authorisation that the manuscript was free of classified information.
Mr Morrell said: "He has flung the barnyard doors open. He has let the horses out, and now he looks at us collectively and says, 'What are you going to do about it?'
"Deterrence matters because there's a massive government interest in ensuring that these agreements aren't breached by a disgruntled author."
:: Listen to Divided States on Apple podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, and Spreaker
Mr Bolton should not be allowed to profit from flouting his contractual obligation to not disclose classified material he had access to while working at the White House, Mr Morrell added.
Mr Bolton's lawyers said the allegations were another way for the White House to censor unflattering claims about the Trump administration.
In court papers, they wrote: "If the First Amendment stands for anything, it is that the government does not have the power to clasp its hand over the mouth of a citizen attempting to speak on a matter of great public import."
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 2:24 18 June: John Bolton criticises Trump in new book
The court heard that Mr Bolton had been told on 27 April by the official responsible for overseeing the National Security Council's pre-publication process that no classified material had been found in the manuscript.
Another White House official had done an additional review, however, and disagreed.


skynewsus--2020-06-19--Police officer to be fired after black woman shot dead in her home

One of three US police officers involved in the fatal shooting of a black woman in her home is to be fired .
Breonna Taylor was shot eight times by officers who burst into her home in Louisville during a drugs investigation in March .
No drugs were found at the 26-year-old 's property .
Louisville Mayor Greg Fischer said police had confirmed termination proceedings have started for officer Brett Hankison .
Two other officers remain on administrative leave while the shooting is investigated .
A letter sent to Mr Hankison by his police chief said the officer violated standard @ @ @ @ @ @ @ blindly fired 10 rounds into the apartment of Breonna Taylor '' .
The letter said he fired the rounds `` without supporting facts '' that the deadly force was directed at a person posing an immediate threat .
`` I find your conduct a shock to the conscience , '' interim police chief Robert Schroeder wrote .
`` Your actions have brought discredit upon yourself and the department . ''
Sam Aguiar , a lawyer for Ms Taylor 's family , said the move to fire Mr Hankison was overdue .
`` It @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said .
`` It should have happened a long time ago , but thankfully it 's at least happening now . ''
The warrant to search the home of Ms Taylor , an emergency medical worker , was in connection with a suspect who did not live there .
: : Listen to Divided States on Apple podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , and Spreaker Police used a no-knock search warrant , which allows them to enter without announcing their presence .
Louisville 's Metro Council has since voted to ban the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ call by Ms Taylor 's boyfriend was released last month and marked the beginning of days of protests in the Kentucky city , fuelled by her death and that of George Floyd in police custody in Minneapolis .
Beyonce recently joined calls for charges against the officers involved in Ms Taylor 's shooting .
The pop superstar said in a letter to state attorney general Daniel Cameron that the three police officers `` must be held accountable for their actions '' .

One of three US police officers involved in the fatal shooting of a black woman in her home is to be fired.
Breonna Taylor was shot eight times by officers who burst into her home in Louisville during a drugs investigation in March.
No drugs were found at the 26-year-old's property.
Image: A demonstrator holds a picture of Breonna Taylor following her death
Louisville Mayor Greg Fischer said police had confirmed termination proceedings have started for officer Brett Hankison.
Two other officers remain on administrative leave while the shooting is investigated.
A letter sent to Mr Hankison by his police chief said the officer violated standard operating procedures when he "wantonly and blindly fired 10 rounds into the apartment of Breonna Taylor".
The letter said he fired the rounds "without supporting facts" that the deadly force was directed at a person posing an immediate threat.
"I find your conduct a shock to the conscience," interim police chief Robert Schroeder wrote.
"Your actions have brought discredit upon yourself and the department."
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Sam Aguiar, a lawyer for Ms Taylor's family, said the move to fire Mr Hankison was overdue.
"It's about damn time," he said.
"It should have happened a long time ago, but thankfully it's at least happening now."
The warrant to search the home of Ms Taylor, an emergency medical worker, was in connection with a suspect who did not live there.
Podcast Podcast , which may be using cookies and other technologies. To show you this content, we need your permission to use cookies. You can use the buttons below to amend your preferences to enable Podcast cookies or to allow those cookies just once. You can change your settings at any time via the This content is provided by, which may be using cookies and other technologies. To show you this content, we need your permission to use cookies. You can use the buttons below to amend your preferences to enablecookies or to allow those cookies just once. You can change your settings at any time via the Privacy Options Unfortunately we have been unable to verify if you have consented to Podcast cookies. To view this content you can use the button below to allow Podcast cookies for this session only. Enable Cookies Allow Cookies Once
:: Listen to Divided States on Apple podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, and Spreaker
Police used a no-knock search warrant, which allows them to enter without announcing their presence.
Louisville's Metro Council has since voted to ban the use of no-knock warrants.
A 911 call by Ms Taylor's boyfriend was released last month and marked the beginning of days of protests in the Kentucky city, fuelled by her death and that of George Floyd in police custody in Minneapolis.
Beyonce recently joined calls for charges against the officers involved in Ms Taylor's shooting.
The pop superstar said in a letter to state attorney general Daniel Cameron that the three police officers "must be held accountable for their actions".


skynewsus--2020-06-19--Apple closing 11 US stores after rise in coronavirus cases

Apple is closing 11 stores in four US states due to a rise in coronavirus cases , just weeks after reopening them .
Six branches are temporarily shutting again in Arizona due to an increase in COVID-19 infections .
Two are closing in both Florida and North Carolina , while the other one is in South Carolina .
The technology giant said : `` We take this step with an abundance of caution as we closely monitor the situation and we look forward to having our teams and customers back as soon as possible . ''
Apple began reopening more @ @ @ @ @ @ @ month after shutting down all of its locations in March .
Some states have pushed ahead with emerging from full or partial shutdown despite a surge in new infections , including in Florida , Texas , Oklahoma and California .
The US has the highest number of cases and deaths in the world , with 2.2 million infections and almost 119,000 fatalities , according to Johns Hopkins University .
Daniel Ives from financial investment firm Wedbush Securities said the move was `` a worrisome trend that speaks to the volatility and fluidity of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ big technology firms , Apple has been doing far better than most companies as the US economy is ravaged by the effects of the coronavirus .
Its stock price hit a record high of $ 356.56 ( £288.46 ) in Friday 's early trading before news of the store closures rattled investors .
The shares were down by about 1.5 % in afternoon trading .

Apple is closing 11 stores in four US states due to a rise in coronavirus cases, just weeks after reopening them.
Six branches are temporarily shutting again in Arizona due to an increase in COVID-19 infections.
Two are closing in both Florida and North Carolina, while the other one is in South Carolina.
The technology giant said: "We take this step with an abundance of caution as we closely monitor the situation and we look forward to having our teams and customers back as soon as possible."
Apple began reopening more than 30 stores across the US last month after shutting down all of its locations in March.
Some states have pushed ahead with emerging from full or partial shutdown despite a surge in new infections, including in Florida, Texas, Oklahoma and California.
The US has the highest number of cases and deaths in the world, with 2.2 million infections and almost 119,000 fatalities, according to Johns Hopkins University.
Daniel Ives from financial investment firm Wedbush Securities said the move was "a worrisome trend that speaks to the volatility and fluidity of this COVID environment".
Like many big technology firms, Apple has been doing far better than most companies as the US economy is ravaged by the effects of the coronavirus.
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Its stock price hit a record high of $356.56 (£288.46) in Friday's early trading before news of the store closures rattled investors.
The shares were down by about 1.5% in afternoon trading.


skynewsus--2020-06-19--Avatar 2 leads the way and UK to welcome Jurassic World as film sets reopen

The film industry is taking its first tentative steps towards starting production again as the restrictions on travel and social distancing are lifted in some countries .
Film sets around the world were shut down when the coronavirus outbreak worsened in March .
Cinemas also had to close , meaning some major releases that were already finished - including Daniel Craig 's final outing as James Bond - are still waiting to see the light of day .
But in New Zealand , work has begun once more on James Cameron 's Avatar 2 , which is believed to be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ into production .
The Oscar-winning director and dozens of his crew members arrived in the country earlier this month and have been back working on the sequel to the 2009 hit at Stone Street Studios in Wellington .
Earlier this week , the film 's producer Jon Landau shared a photo from the set , which showed the crew wearing face masks and visors .
`` Used my iPhone to snap a picture of our first shot back in production on the Avatar sequels , '' he wrote .
Avatar 2 is not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ track after being curtailed by COVID-19 .
In the UK , Pinewood Studios confirmed to Sky News that Jurassic World : Dominion would be resuming filming soon .
Earlier this week , Deadline reported that the latest instalment in the long-running dinosaur franchise would be the first major film to restart production here .
The film was stopped a month into its 20-week shoot when lockdown began in March .
Universal confirmed that filming will resume from the second week of July , although it is not known if that will include scenes @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Dallas Howard .
Presently , anyone flying into the UK must self-isolate for 14 days .
The Batman , starring Robert Pattinson , and Disney 's remake of The Little Mermaid with Halle Bailey were also starting in the UK before the pandemic , but it is not known when they will resume .
In Australia , the premier of Queensland said she had met director Baz Luhrmann about restarting shooting on his upcoming film about Elvis , which stars Tom Hanks .
Hanks and his wife Rita Wilson were among the first @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , while they were in pre-production for the as-yet unnamed film .
They were kept in quarantine in hospital before flying home to Los Angeles once they had recovered .
The rest of the cast and crew remained in Australia and Queensland premier Annastacia Palaszczuk said she was working with Luhrman to get cameras rolling again at Village Roadshow Studios on the Gold Coast .
She said : `` We want to ensure that this can happen as soon as possible while making sure that the cast and crew can operate safely .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ also currently developing a screen industry COVID safe plan that will be released shortly , paving the way for the whole sector to get rolling cameras again and crew back to work on sets . ''
Paramount has already announced that it hopes to start shooting the next Mission : Impossible movie - now due for release in 2021 - in Italy this September .
Work has not begun in Hollywood itself yet , as unions are still to sign off on safety protocols on how film sets should operate while the virus @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to the Backstage podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker '' For the major film productions and a handful of premium TV shows , this pandemic was like tranquilising an elephant , '' a film studio executive , speaking on the condition of anonymity , told Variety .
`` We 're not going to be able to stand up right away . ''
Back in the UK , cinemas hope to reopen in July with extra safety measures in line with government guidance .

The film industry is taking its first tentative steps towards starting production again as the restrictions on travel and social distancing are lifted in some countries.
Film sets around the world were shut down when the coronavirus outbreak worsened in March.
Cinemas also had to close, meaning some major releases that were already finished - including Daniel Craig's final outing as James Bond - are still waiting to see the light of day.
But in New Zealand, work has begun once more on James Cameron's Avatar 2, which is believed to be the first big blockbuster to go back into production.
The Oscar-winning director and dozens of his crew members arrived in the country earlier this month and have been back working on the sequel to the 2009 hit at Stone Street Studios in Wellington.
Earlier this week, the film's producer Jon Landau shared a photo from the set, which showed the crew wearing face masks and visors.
"Used my iPhone to snap a picture of our first shot back in production on the Avatar sequels," he wrote.
Image: Avatar 2. Pic: Disney/ 20th Century Fox
Image: Avatar 2. Pic: Disney/ 20th Century Fox
Avatar 2 is not the only major production getting back on track after being curtailed by COVID-19.
In the UK, Pinewood Studios confirmed to Sky News that Jurassic World: Dominion would be resuming filming soon.
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Image: Bryce Dallas Howard and Chris Pratt will be filming in the UK
Earlier this week, Deadline reported that the latest instalment in the long-running dinosaur franchise would be the first major film to restart production here.
The film was stopped a month into its 20-week shoot when lockdown began in March.
Universal confirmed that filming will resume from the second week of July, although it is not known if that will include scenes with its stars Chris Pratt and Bryce Dallas Howard.
Presently, anyone flying into the UK must self-isolate for 14 days.
The Batman, starring Robert Pattinson, and Disney's remake of The Little Mermaid with Halle Bailey were also starting in the UK before the pandemic, but it is not known when they will resume.
Image: A man dressed as Batman during filming at the Glasgow Necropolis cemetery in February
In Australia, the premier of Queensland said she had met director Baz Luhrmann about restarting shooting on his upcoming film about Elvis, which stars Tom Hanks.
Hanks and his wife Rita Wilson were among the first high-profile figures to be diagnosed with COVID-19, while they were in pre-production for the as-yet unnamed film.
They were kept in quarantine in hospital before flying home to Los Angeles once they had recovered.
The rest of the cast and crew remained in Australia and Queensland premier Annastacia Palaszczuk said she was working with Luhrman to get cameras rolling again at Village Roadshow Studios on the Gold Coast.
She said: "We want to ensure that this can happen as soon as possible while making sure that the cast and crew can operate safely.
"Screen Queensland and Queensland Health are also currently developing a screen industry COVID safe plan that will be released shortly, paving the way for the whole sector to get rolling cameras again and crew back to work on sets."
Image: Tom Hanks and Rita Wilson while in quarantine. Pic: Tom Hanks
Paramount has already announced that it hopes to start shooting the next Mission: Impossible movie - now due for release in 2021 - in Italy this September.
Work has not begun in Hollywood itself yet, as unions are still to sign off on safety protocols on how film sets should operate while the virus remains a threat.
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"For the major film productions and a handful of premium TV shows, this pandemic was like tranquilising an elephant," a film studio executive, speaking on the condition of anonymity, told Variety.
"We're not going to be able to stand up right away."
Back in the UK, cinemas hope to reopen in July with extra safety measures in line with government guidance.


skynewsus--2020-06-20--'We're just trying to heal': Tulsa prepares for Trump rally while marking Juneteenth

Donald Trump will mark the resumption of his election campaign with a huge and controversial gathering in Tulsa , Oklahoma , tonight .
The American president suspended his early campaign rallies for the November election in April because of the coronavirus outbreak .
But tweeting about tonight 's rally , he said : `` Big crowds and lines already forming in Tulsa .
My campaign has n't started yet .
It starts on Saturday night in Oklahoma ! ''
The location of the rally and its timing present dual controversies .
The state of Oklahoma and the city of Tulsa @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of coronavirus cases .
While some parts of the world are experiencing a second COVID-19 spike , much of America is still ascending the first curve , prompting many to question the safety of a mass gathering even if social distancing and masks are encouraged .
According to a database of health authority figures complied by The New York Times , there have been at least 9,706 cases of coronavirus in Oklahoma .
As of Friday evening , at least 367 people had died .
Despite the upward trend , the state 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that Oklahoma is `` one of the first states that has safely and measurably reopened '' .
`` Oklahoma is ready for your visit , '' the governor told President Trump at a White House meeting on Thursday .
`` It 's going to be safe and everyone 's really really excited . ''
: : Listen to Divided States on Apple podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , and Spreaker The city 's BOK stadium has a capacity of 19,000 .
Organisers have said that 10,000 people will be permitted to enter @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on entry .
Sanitiser will be on offer as will masks , but they will not be compulsory .
Many thousands more are expected to gather outside where they have been queueing since Wednesday .
In the line some sported Trump merchandise from head to toe : `` Four More Years '' baseball caps , `` Make America Great Again '' T-shirts and `` Fake News , Enemy of the People '' banners .
Several blocks away , a contrasting America was on display .
In the Greenwood district of the city , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Juneteenth - the day the last slaves in America realised they were free .
It was insulting for many here that the American president chose to coincide his rally with this anniversary .
And it was an insult compounded when he claimed that `` no one has ever heard of Juneteenth '' .
`` Juneteenth means everything to me .
Juneteenth is the place where black people can come and we can discuss and we can share , '' local Vickey Scott told me .
In Tulsa though , there is an added @ @ @ @ @ @ @ another event that many people really have n't heard of - the Tulsa Massacre .
In May 1921 , the Greenwood district of Tulsa was booming .
Known as Black Wall Street , it was a place where African Americans who had fled slavery in the Deep South had made successful lives .
But after an incident in which a 19-year-old black boy was accused of assaulting a 17-year-old white girl , a riot turned into a massacre with a mob of white men murdering as many as 300 African Americans .
It @ @ @ @ @ @ @ racial violence and yet until recently it had been almost entirely airbrushed from history books .
Much of the district was destroyed and the survivors sent to internment camps on the city 's edge .
`` At least 300 died , '' Kavin Ross told me .
His grandfather was among thousands whose businesses were destroyed in the massacre .
`` I have no problem with the president coming here .
It 's just the attraction that he brings .
He rallies , he dog whistles his base who are saying 'white power @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 'build that wall ' , all that racist rhetoric .
We do n't need that here in Tulsa .
We 're just trying to heal , '' Mr Ross said .
All these years on , the racial divide in Tulsa is still clear , so clear that locals say it is marked by the railway line which cuts across the city from west to east .
To this day , north Tulsa , dominated by the Greenwood district where the massacre happened , is the black neighbourhood .
To the south it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Greenwood reflect the struggles with Reconciliation Way and Martin Luther King Jnr Boulevard , a new name , unveiled in 2011 .
But at the point where the road crosses the railway , Martin Luther King Jnr Boulevard ends .
Agreement could n't be reached with the predominantly white council to extend the street name south of the railway line .

Donald Trump will mark the resumption of his election campaign with a huge and controversial gathering in Tulsa, Oklahoma, tonight.
The American president suspended his early campaign rallies for the November election in April because of the coronavirus outbreak.
But tweeting about tonight's rally, he said: "Big crowds and lines already forming in Tulsa. My campaign hasn't started yet. It starts on Saturday night in Oklahoma!"
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 2:41 Juneteenth and the airbrushing of history
The location of the rally and its timing present dual controversies.
The state of Oklahoma and the city of Tulsa are still experiencing a daily upward trend of coronavirus cases.
While some parts of the world are experiencing a second COVID-19 spike, much of America is still ascending the first curve, prompting many to question the safety of a mass gathering even if social distancing and masks are encouraged.
According to a database of health authority figures complied by The New York Times, there have been at least 9,706 cases of coronavirus in Oklahoma. As of Friday evening, at least 367 people had died.
Despite the upward trend, the state's governor, Republican Kevin Stitt has said that Oklahoma is "one of the first states that has safely and measurably reopened".
"Oklahoma is ready for your visit," the governor told President Trump at a White House meeting on Thursday. "It's going to be safe and everyone's really really excited."
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:: Listen to Divided States on Apple podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, and Spreaker
The city's BOK stadium has a capacity of 19,000. Organisers have said that 10,000 people will be permitted to enter. A temperature check will be made on entry. Sanitiser will be on offer as will masks, but they will not be compulsory.
Many thousands more are expected to gather outside where they have been queueing since Wednesday.
In the line some sported Trump merchandise from head to toe: "Four More Years" baseball caps, "Make America Great Again" T-shirts and "Fake News, Enemy of the People" banners.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:25 'Trump has caused an awakening' - Malcolm X's daughter
Several blocks away, a contrasting America was on display. In the Greenwood district of the city, this weekend began with the marking of Juneteenth - the day the last slaves in America realised they were free.
It was insulting for many here that the American president chose to coincide his rally with this anniversary.
And it was an insult compounded when he claimed that "no one has ever heard of Juneteenth".
Image: Mark Stone speaks with a Tulsa resident
"Juneteenth means everything to me. Juneteenth is the place where black people can come and we can discuss and we can share," local Vickey Scott told me.
In Tulsa though, there is an added poignancy for the black community because of another event that many people really haven't heard of - the Tulsa Massacre.
In May 1921, the Greenwood district of Tulsa was booming. Known as Black Wall Street, it was a place where African Americans who had fled slavery in the Deep South had made successful lives.
Image: The aftermath of the Tulsa Massacre, during which mobs of white residents attacked black residents and businesses
But after an incident in which a 19-year-old black boy was accused of assaulting a 17-year-old white girl, a riot turned into a massacre with a mob of white men murdering as many as 300 African Americans.
It is America's worst single incident of racial violence and yet until recently it had been almost entirely airbrushed from history books.
Much of the district was destroyed and the survivors sent to internment camps on the city's edge.
"At least 300 died," Kavin Ross told me. His grandfather was among thousands whose businesses were destroyed in the massacre.
"I have no problem with the president coming here. It's just the attraction that he brings. He rallies, he dog whistles his base who are saying 'white power' and 'white lives matter' and 'build that wall', all that racist rhetoric. We don't need that here in Tulsa. We're just trying to heal," Mr Ross said.
Image: Trump supporters sell merchandise ahead of the rally
All these years on, the racial divide in Tulsa is still clear, so clear that locals say it is marked by the railway line which cuts across the city from west to east.
To this day, north Tulsa, dominated by the Greenwood district where the massacre happened, is the black neighbourhood. To the south it's white.
The street names in Greenwood reflect the struggles with Reconciliation Way and Martin Luther King Jnr Boulevard, a new name, unveiled in 2011.
But at the point where the road crosses the railway, Martin Luther King Jnr Boulevard ends. Agreement couldn't be reached with the predominantly white council to extend the street name south of the railway line.


skynewsus--2020-06-20--Prosecutor investigating Prince Andrew's links with Epstein 'won't resign'

The prosecutor leading the Jeffrey Epstein investigation who accused Prince Andrew of failing to co-operate has refused to step down after the US Justice Department announced he was resigning .
US attorney general William Barr said Geoffrey Berman , the US attorney in Manhattan , was resigning late on Friday night .
But Mr Berman said he had no intention of standing down and investigations he is involved in will continue `` without delay or interruption '' .
The lawyer accused the Duke of York of `` shutting the door '' on his investigation into convicted sex offender Epstein , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has prosecuted a number of Donald Trump 's associates , including his former lawyer Michael Cohen , and is investigating his personal lawyer , Rudy Giuliani , over his efforts to dig up dirt on Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden and his son in Ukraine .
The dramatic standoff marks the latest in a series of unusual actions by Mr Barr , which critics say are meant to benefit the president politically and undermine the independence of the Justice Department .
Mr Trump has tried to purge officials perceived as not fully supportive @ @ @ @ @ @ @ agency watchdogs over the past few weeks , including one who played a key role in his impeachment earlier this year .
In Mr Barr 's surprise announcement on Friday night , he said he was nominating securities and exchange commission chairman Jay Clayton to replace Mr Berman .
Mr Berman , whose office is known for prosecuting high-profile terrorism cases , Wall Street financial crimes and government corruption , said he first learned he was apparently resigning from Mr Barr 's press release .
`` I have not resigned , and have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' Mr Berman said in a statement .
`` I will step down when a presidentially-appointed nominee is confirmed by the Senate .
`` Until then , our investigations will move forward without delay or interruption . ''
Mr Berman is responsible for reigniting the dispute between the Duke of York and US authorities over his availability to answer questions about Epstein , whom he was friends with .
He accused the prince of attempting to `` falsely portray himself to the public as eager and willing to co-operate '' after the duke @ @ @ @ @ @ @ three offers to give a witness statement but had heard nothing .
Prince Andrew 's team said the Department of Justice had breached `` their own confidentiality rules '' by claiming he had offered no co-operation .
Mr Berman 's refusal to step down comes as the Justice Department asks a federal court to block publication of a book by former national security adviser John Bolton , who claims Mr Trump tried to interfere with an investigation overseen by Mr Berman 's office .
The US Senate 's top Democrat , Chuck Schumer @ @ @ @ @ @ @ night dismissal reeks of potential corruption of the legal process .
`` What is angering President Trump ?
A previous action by this US Attorney or one that is ongoing ? ''
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker House judiciary committee chairman Jerrold Nadler added that he will invite Mr Berman to testify .
Mr Berman 's predecessor , Preet Bharara , a critic of the president who was sacked after Mr Trump was elected , said the timing of the attempt @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` Why does a president get rid of his own hand-picked US Attorney in SDNY on a Friday night , less than five months before the election ? ''
he wrote on Twitter , referring to the upcoming US presidential election in November .

The prosecutor leading the Jeffrey Epstein investigation who accused Prince Andrew of failing to co-operate has refused to step down after the US Justice Department announced he was resigning.
US attorney general William Barr said Geoffrey Berman, the US attorney in Manhattan, was resigning late on Friday night.
But Mr Berman said he had no intention of standing down and investigations he is involved in will continue "without delay or interruption".
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:27 Prince Andrew 'shut the door' on police co-operation
The lawyer accused the Duke of York of "shutting the door" on his investigation into convicted sex offender Epstein, who died last year.
His office has prosecuted a number of Donald Trump's associates, including his former lawyer Michael Cohen, and is investigating his personal lawyer, Rudy Giuliani, over his efforts to dig up dirt on Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden and his son in Ukraine.
The dramatic standoff marks the latest in a series of unusual actions by Mr Barr, which critics say are meant to benefit the president politically and undermine the independence of the Justice Department.
Mr Trump has tried to purge officials perceived as not fully supportive of him, sacking a series of agency watchdogs over the past few weeks, including one who played a key role in his impeachment earlier this year.
In Mr Barr's surprise announcement on Friday night, he said he was nominating securities and exchange commission chairman Jay Clayton to replace Mr Berman.
Mr Berman, whose office is known for prosecuting high-profile terrorism cases, Wall Street financial crimes and government corruption, said he first learned he was apparently resigning from Mr Barr's press release.
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Image: Donald Trump's personal lawyer Rudy Giuliani is being investigated by Mr Berman
"I have not resigned, and have no intention of resigning my position," Mr Berman said in a statement.
"I will step down when a presidentially-appointed nominee is confirmed by the Senate.
"Until then, our investigations will move forward without delay or interruption."
Mr Berman is responsible for reigniting the dispute between the Duke of York and US authorities over his availability to answer questions about Epstein, whom he was friends with.
He accused the prince of attempting to "falsely portray himself to the public as eager and willing to co-operate" after the duke's legal team said he had made three offers to give a witness statement but had heard nothing.
Image: Mr Berman has said Prince Andrew (R) refused to co-operate with the Epstein investigation
Prince Andrew's team said the Department of Justice had breached "their own confidentiality rules" by claiming he had offered no co-operation.
Mr Berman's refusal to step down comes as the Justice Department asks a federal court to block publication of a book by former national security adviser John Bolton, who claims Mr Trump tried to interfere with an investigation overseen by Mr Berman's office.
The US Senate's top Democrat, Chuck Schumer, tweeted: "This late Friday night dismissal reeks of potential corruption of the legal process.
"What is angering President Trump? A previous action by this US Attorney or one that is ongoing?"
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House judiciary committee chairman Jerrold Nadler added that he will invite Mr Berman to testify.
Mr Berman's predecessor, Preet Bharara, a critic of the president who was sacked after Mr Trump was elected, said the timing of the attempt to fire Mr Berman was odd.
"Why does a president get rid of his own hand-picked US Attorney in SDNY on a Friday night, less than five months before the election?" he wrote on Twitter, referring to the upcoming US presidential election in November.


skynewsus--2020-06-20--Beyonce drops surprise new track Black Parade

Beyonce has used a holiday marking the end of slavery to drop a surprise new song entitled Black Parade .
The Queen of Pop released the track on Juneteenth , on Friday , which celebrates the official end of slavery in the United States in 1865 .
Just before dropping the track Beyonce announced a project of the same name which provides an online directory of black-owned businesses ranging from fashion and art to food and drink .
On her website , she wrote : `` Happy Juneteenth Weekend !
I hope we continue to share joy and celebrate each @ @ @ @ @ @ @ struggle .
`` Please continue to remember our beauty , strength and power .
`` BLACK PARADE celebrates you , your voice and your joy and will benefit Black-owned small businesses .
`` Being Black is your activism .
Black excellence is a form of protest .
Black joy is your right . ''
Beyonce , from Houston , Texas , then released the song , co-written with her husband Jay Z , which is nearly five minutes long and is about black pride and calls for reparations for slavery .
She sings @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the South , I 'm going back where my roots ai n't watered down .
`` I ca n't forget my history is her-story , yeah .
We black , baby , that 's the reason why they always mad . ''
Later in the song , she adds : `` Need peace and reparations for my people . ''
In the bridge , she sings : `` We got rhythm , we got pride , we birth kings , we birth tribes . ''
The new track comes less than a month @ @ @ @ @ @ @ after a white police officer knelt on his neck for eight minutes and 46 seconds , prompting worldwide anti-racism protests .
Beyonce , one of the world 's biggest and most influential artists , has been vocal throughout the protests , and also the coronavirus crisis .
In April , as more and more Americans died of the virus , she warned African-Americans were being disproportionately affected .
She demanded `` real justice '' for Mr Floyd and her BeyGood foundation donated to the coronavirus relief effort .
: : Listen to the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker The singer also joined the call for charges against officers involved in the killing of Breonna Taylor , who was shot dead in March by officers who burst into her Kentucky home .
On her website , under the new Black Parade project , she published a letter to the attorney general of Texas , Daniel Cameron , telling him he has to change the pattern of a black person being killed by police , followed by inaction and delays in the investigation .
Black Parade is Beyonce @ @ @ @ @ @ @ contributed to The Lion King companion album last year .
In April , she and rapper Megan Thee Stallion released a remix of the latter 's viral hit Savage .

Beyonce has used a holiday marking the end of slavery to drop a surprise new song entitled Black Parade.
The Queen of Pop released the track on Juneteenth, on Friday, which celebrates the official end of slavery in the United States in 1865.
Just before dropping the track Beyonce announced a project of the same name which provides an online directory of black-owned businesses ranging from fashion and art to food and drink.
Image: Beyonce wrote Black Parade with her husband, Jay Z
On her website, she wrote: "Happy Juneteenth Weekend! I hope we continue to share joy and celebrate each other, even in the midst of struggle.
"Please continue to remember our beauty, strength and power.
"BLACK PARADE celebrates you, your voice and your joy and will benefit Black-owned small businesses.
"Being Black is your activism. Black excellence is a form of protest. Black joy is your right."
Beyonce, from Houston, Texas, then released the song, co-written with her husband Jay Z, which is nearly five minutes long and is about black pride and calls for reparations for slavery.
Image: Beyonce has called for 'real justice' for George Floyd. Pic: Shutterstock
She sings: "I'm going back to the South, I'm going back where my roots ain't watered down.
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"I can't forget my history is her-story, yeah. We black, baby, that's the reason why they always mad."
Later in the song, she adds: "Need peace and reparations for my people."
In the bridge, she sings: "We got rhythm, we got pride, we birth kings, we birth tribes."
Image: Breonna Taylor was killed by police officers who entered her home in March
The new track comes less than a month after African-American man George Floyd was killed after a white police officer knelt on his neck for eight minutes and 46 seconds, prompting worldwide anti-racism protests.
Beyonce, one of the world's biggest and most influential artists, has been vocal throughout the protests, and also the coronavirus crisis.
In April, as more and more Americans died of the virus, she warned African-Americans were being disproportionately affected.
She demanded "real justice" for Mr Floyd and her BeyGood foundation donated to the coronavirus relief effort.
:: Listen to the Backstage podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
The singer also joined the call for charges against officers involved in the killing of Breonna Taylor, who was shot dead in March by officers who burst into her Kentucky home.
On her website, under the new Black Parade project, she published a letter to the attorney general of Texas, Daniel Cameron, telling him he has to change the pattern of a black person being killed by police, followed by inaction and delays in the investigation.
Black Parade is Beyonce's first new solo music since she contributed to The Lion King companion album last year.
In April, she and rapper Megan Thee Stallion released a remix of the latter's viral hit Savage.