Meghan Markle on the killing of George Floyd: 'The only wrong thing to say is to say nothing'

Silence speaks volumes.

But silence is not an option after the killing of George Floyd, who died after a Minneapolis police officer kneeled on his neck for nearly nine minutes, prompting widespread protests across America and around the world.

In a virtual commencement speech addressing students graduating from her former school Immaculate Heart High School, Los Angeles, Meghan Markle, Duchess of Sussex, gave a powerful statement on these times.

"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 it would get picked apart," she said.

"I realised the only wrong thing to say is to say nothing."

Markle then went on to say the names of black people who were killed by police.

"Because George Floyd's life mattered, and Breonna Taylor's life matter, 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. Stephon Clark, his life mattered," she said.

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Markle then reflected on the words a teacher once said to her in her sophomore year of school: "Always remember to put others' needs above your own fears."

If you're looking for more information about how to demand justice for George Floyd, read this. To learn more about how to become anti-racist, read this.