By Amina Mughnee
The reasons behind why this controversial movement came into existence.
Behind the movement: #blacklivesmatter
Many people have experienced the feeling of not fitting in. Various new concepts and terms have been created so the world would be more fair to all individuals. Movements such as Black Lives Matter were created to combat the discrimination and prejudice that plagued those who did not fit the standard of the majority. Sadly, the plight for equality for people of color is still prevalent in our current day and age.
During the 1960’s, many blacks joined together during a time of injustice to form a black liberation group known as the Black Panther Party. Almost 50 years later, a new black liberation movement sparked in America. It made history. The modernized liberation group, commonly known as the Black Lives Matter Movement, opened many people’s eyes to the injustices against African Americans.
The movement was started by three black women-- Patrisse Cullors, Opal Tometi, and Alicia Garza. These three forgotten women are often pushed to the side when talking about the creation of the movement and are not given credit for it and, this happens more often than not. Black Lives Matter was created to bring awareness to the different black identities. Whether you are a black woman or a black man, young or old, and everything in between, the movement is meant to support you as a black individual.
Popularity of the movement sparked from the many “hashtag activists” that spread the trending names of black people who were involved in police related killings-- such as Michael Brown, Eric Garner, and unfortunately many, many more. Unjust murders of black individuals may have provided publicity for Black Lives Matter, but in between the lines of the movement lies the awareness of systemic, and sometimes intentional, racism. Now to those who are probably wondering, “What even is systemic racism”, here is your answer: systemic racism is hidden racism found in social and justice systems.
Let’s look at the justice system for example. Brock Turner, a white swimmer that was found guilty of raping an intoxicated girl, only served three months in jail, while Brian Banks-- a black teenage football player--was found guilty of raping a girl and was sentenced five years. This has brought national attention to the racial disparity found in the justice system and more and more people are realizing that this type of situation is happening quite frequently. Many people do not know the layers to the racism cake, but this is exactly what Black Lives Matter is doing. They are bringing attention to the issues that are pressing to the black community.
The Black Lives Matter Movement will not be unheard, that is one of their core values. Supporters and allies of the movement are passionate about making the inequalities that blacks face more recognized because the world would be a boring place if we did not acknowledge everybody and respect their individuality and culture.
A powerful phrase made by protestors.
Photo by The All-Nite Images
Students showing support to the movement movement. Photo above by Fibonacci Blue
Protestors at a Black Lives Matter rally.
Photo by The All-Nite Images
Mothers displaying posters at a Black Lives Matter Rally.
Photo by The All-Nite Images
Posters from a Black Lives Matter Rally.
Photo by The All-Nite Images
The Charger, November 2016
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