Iran Press/America: Bowser, a Democrat, announced the significant, but largely symbolic move on Friday as she also unveiled a mural painted with the slogan on asphalt in massive yellow letters onto the street that leads up to the White House.
"I want to welcome all peaceful protesters to Washington, D.C. I'm joined by members of the City Council. We want to call attention today to make sure our nation is fairer and more just and that Black lives and Black humanity matter in our nation," Bowser said during the inauguration ceremony.
The mayor has opposed President Donald Trump's escalation of federal law enforcement deployment to quell protests and unrest in the capital, triggered by the May 25 killing of George Floyd, an unarmed black man, in the custody of Minneapolis police.
Earlier this week, Trump urged a crackdown against demonstrators to bring order to the national capital and other cities after widespread protests.
Washington and other main cities in the US have witnessed massive protests for over a week now in response to Floyd's death.
The protests are scheduled to continue this weekend, including one on Saturday that is expected to draw a large crowd.
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