The Emancipation Memorial is seen behind a fence and concrete blocks at Lincoln Park in Washington, D.C., the United States, on June 25, 2020.(Xinhua/Liu Jie)

This year's Independence Day comes against an unusual backdrop. Some 20 protests are scheduled for Saturday and could extend through the night.

WASHINGTON, July 4 -- The Fourth of July weekend is drawing near in the United States, but this year's Independence Day comes against an unusual backdrop, marked by protests and unrest that have spanned more than a month over racism and police brutality.

In addition to fireworks displays and flyovers by military aircraft, U.S. media said that the celebrations will be joined by protests prompted by the death of George Floyd, and that some 20 protests are scheduled for Saturday and could extend through the night.