If you went on social media, read the news, or saw the protests in your city this summer, you likely heard the phrase “Black lives matter” at some point or another. Despite its recent resurgence after outrage surrounding the death of George Floyd, the phrase “Black lives matter” has been around for years. Recent news has put it in the center of much controversy, some seeing it as a slogan embodying revolution, and some equating it with riots and destructio. This article breaks down the origins of “Black lives matter”, what it means, and providing the information needed for you to formulate your own opinion.
What is the origin of “Black Lives Matter”?
First, it’s important to make the distinction that “Black lives matter” represents two things: an established organization that pushes for anti-racist behavior, education, and politics, and a slogan (#BlackLivesMatter) that is often used to show support for anti-racist advocacy. Although the organization created the hashtag as a way to gain social media traction, today it is widespread to represent advocacy against police brutality, white supremacy, racist behaviors, and discrimination against African Americans, all issues that the organization advocates for.
Black Lives Matter, Inc. was founded after the 2012 murder of Trayvon Martin, a 17-year-old unarmed Black high school student, and the acquittal of his murderer, George Zimmerman, a year later. That July, #BlackLivesMatter became incredibly widespread, reigniting a conversation about white supremacy and injustice in society. Following the 2014 murder of Mike Brown by officer Darren Wilson, protests broke out in Ferguson and St. Louis, Missouri. Black Lives Matter has continued protests and demonstrations following subsequent murders of other unarmed Black people, continuing into this summer.
What does “Black Lives Matter” really mean?
The phrase “Black lives matter” has often been misunderstood, given how much it has been in the media recently. The focus on Black lives, in particular, is a statement on how many Black Americans believe that societal institutions in place, such as our justice system and police force, treat Black people as lesser than others. “Black lives matter” serves as a reminder to society that Black lives matter, as well. Activists argue that, as a country that prides itself on equal opportunity, we must address and work to fix systemic inequalities that African Americans face every day.
Phrases like “all lives matter” are often used as rebuttals to this, many disagreeing with the idea that “Black lives matter” focuses on one racial group’s life mattering. On the surface, “all lives matter” seems to be something understandable, and no one is claiming that all lives don’t matter when they say that Black lives do. The reason that people disagree with “all lives matter” is that it neglects to acknowledge how systemic racism has caused African Americans to believe that their lives don’t get the same respect as others. As quoted from blogger Ayana Lage, "No one's saying that your life doesn't matter; what we're saying…is all lives can't matter until Black lives matter."
What do BLM Activists hope to achieve?
Those who say “Black lives matter”, whether a member of Black Lives Matter, Inc. or an ally to the cause, are a diverse group of people advocating for many objectives. Activists most notably have protested against police brutality, calling for reforms in the criminal justice system and changing discriminatory practices. Many BLM protests were received poorly due to violent and radical acts made by some, turning protests into riots that were responded to by police action. However, recent studies showed that the protests were powerful but peaceful demonstrations, with only about 5% of the 7,750 protests including people engaging in violence. Leaders of BLM chapters in various cities, including Chicago, have made it clear that they don’t condone looting, and it has angered many peaceful protestors by giving onlookers a warped perspective.
BLM Activists also focus on the LGBTQ+ community, advocating for causes such as same-sex recognition laws, civil unions, full marriage, and the repeal of discriminatory laws. They also advocate for a changing social awareness amongst allies, asking people to uplift and listen to Black testimonies and to be actively anti-racist. Those who say “Black lives matter” and support the movement are looking for a changing world, one where African Americans can find liberation from oppressive institutions and to be empowered and respected.
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