At the cries of " Black lives matter ", anti-racist demonstrators go up the avenue bordering the White House and water with insults an activist holding a sign in support of Donald Trump. In Washington, the American national holiday was marked on Saturday July 4 by confrontation and disunity.
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A few hundred meters from the lawn of the White House, where the American president is to deliver an evening speech, two camps oppose and seem irreconcilable on this day which celebrates the independence and unity of the country. To avoid clashes, an imposing police device was installed around the presidential enclosure, which looks like an entrenched camp.
" We should celebrate our unity, our diversity and our freedom, we should not consider ourselves as enemies ready to wage war, " said Kristy Pandora Graczowski, a transgender pro-Trump activist who targets invective protesters.
They finally continue on their way to the "Black Live Matter Plaza", a stretch of street that has become the epicenter of protest in the American capital.
Because for more than a month and the death of George Floyd, African-American killed by a white police officer in Minneapolis, the United States has been the scene of a historic movement of anger against racism, for justice and racial equality. The demonstrations have followed one another and have revived the sensitive debate on the legacy of the country's slave past.
Clashes between supporters and opponents
Donald Trump, far from advocating national reconciliation, accused the " radical " demonstrators of wanting to " erase " American history.
On the other side of the avenue, Jennifer says her grief by attending the confrontation. " It is a lack of respect for the president, he is attacked from all sides, " explains this 53-year-old tourist who came from Florida for July 4. " All lives count, " she explains, using the anti-racism slogan, " but the demonstrators choose what they want to protest against, it's hypocrisy ."
His friend, Bill, is worried about losing some of his freedom of expression in front of these protesters. " If you have a contrary opinion, you are a racist, " he laments. For him, it is the height of this special day for America. " The reason for this day is that Britain said 'do this' and we said 'no' ."
Further on, on the National Mall crushed by the sun where the traditional fireworks are planned at nightfall, supporters and opponents of the president meet, look at each other, and sometimes insult each other.
Katima, 24, came from Kentucky with a group of activists. On the lawn, they deployed the bands of the three colors of Pan-Africanism, red for the blood shed, black for the people and culture of the continent, and green for nature. " We want to let the world know, and not just in the United States, that we are worth no less than the others, " said the young African-American.
Coming with her two sons, Mary Byrne, 54, says she is worried about the " antagonism " that reigns today. " We don't talk to each other anymore, we yell at each other, " she explains, saying that the United States must carry out an " honest " conscientious examination of the extent of racism in the country.
Others refuse to ruin their national holiday. Wayne and Lynnis, a couple from neighboring Maryland, are among the handpicked guests to attend President Trump's " Homage to America ". " I am very excited, " said Lynnis, 56. " It doesn't matter who the president is, it's an honor to go to the White House, " she says with a smile.
