Meghan Markle Speaks Out About George Floyd And Police Brutality

TOPLINE

In a graduation speech to her old Los Angeles high school, Meghan Markle, the Duchess of Sussex, addressed the sometimes-violent protests sparked by George Floyd’s death by apologizing to students for having to live in a world where racism and police brutality still exist, and encouraged them to “lead with love” and to participate in elections.

KEY FACTS

Markle delivered her speech by video to Immaculate Heart High School, which she attended as a teenager.

“I wasn’t sure what I could say to you. I wanted to say the right thing. And I was really nervous that I wouldn’t, or that it would get picked apart,” Markle said, likely referring to blistering press coverage she has faced as a member of Britain’s royal family.

“The first thing I want to say to you is that I’m sorry. I’m so sorry you have to grow up in a world where this is still present,” said Markle, adding that “what is happening in our country” is “absolutely devastating.”

Recounting her memories of the 1992 Los Angeles riots⁠—which took place after four white police officers were acquitted in the savage beating of a black man named Rodney King⁠—Markle said she’s never forgotten the sight of ash falling from the sky, people looting and men holding firearms.

Drawing on her experience volunteering as a teenager in Los Angeles, Markle told the Class of 2020 to “always remember to put others’ needs above your own fears.”

“You are going to lead with love, you are going to lead with compassion, you are going to use your voice,” Markle said, adding, “because most of you are 18 or you’re going to turn 18, so you’re going to vote.”

Crucial quote

“The only wrong thing to say is to say nothing,” Markle said. “Because George Floyd’s life mattered, and Breonna Taylor’s life mattered, and Philando Castile’s life mattered and Tamir Rice’s life mattered and so did so many other people whose names we know, and whose names we do not know.”

Key background

Markle, whose mother is African American, has been undergoing a transition with husband Prince Harry after the two relocated to Los Angeles earlier this year. Their move was the culmination of the couple’s step back from their roles as senior members of Britain’s royal family. Markle faced a wave of stinging press coverage in the U.K., with some tabloids using racist language in stories about her. After giving up their “Sussex Royal” name as part of their agreement with Queen Elizabeth II, Harry and Meghan announced in April a new charitable foundation called Archewell.

Further reading

Black lives matter says Meghan, calling U.S. events ‘devastating’ (Reuters)

Meghan Markle and British racism: What her saga says to black Britons (NBC News)

Why Meghan Markle and Prince Harry’s Royal Escape Was Inevitable (Vanity Fair)

Harry And Meghan Sever Ties With British Tabloids Over ‘Distorted, False’ Stories (Forbes)

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