News analysis

'I can't breathe' becomes anthem of despair for black Americans

An artist named Celos painting a mural in Los Angeles last Saturday in protest against the death of Mr George Floyd.
An artist named Celos painting a mural in Los Angeles last Saturday in protest against the death of Mr George Floyd. PHOTO: AGENCE FRANCE-PRESSE
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It was the best and worst of America on the same day, in a juxtaposition that President Donald Trump clearly could have done without.

Saturday afternoon saw the United States' first private manned rocket launch, taking two astronauts from US soil for the first time in nine years, to the International Space Station.

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A version of this article appeared in the print edition of The Straits Times on June 01, 2020, with the headline 'I can't breathe' becomes anthem of despair for black Americans. Subscribe