Even in this contemporary time, believe it or not, racism still exists. Racism is a product of conflict and interaction. Conflicts are rooted in biases, prejudice, and stereotypes. Racism in America thrives because of the mentioned roots of conflicts. Some still think, even up to this day, that whites are supreme and other races are just below them. Consequently, those who are victimized by this inequality have no choice but to speak up and fight back.
When your rights have been trampled, you need to stand up.
Raising your voice collectively means creating a movement. The Black Lives Matter (BLM) movement is one of the most influential social justice movements in modern U.S. history. The movement calls for change and exposes the injustices many Black people have experienced.The movement Black Lives Matter sparks conversation and intrigue for the name itself.
Why is it called Black Lives Matter? What about other races? What about them?
It does not suggest that other lives are less important. Instead, it highlights the urgent need to combat the historical and ongoing injustices that threaten Black lives.
DeHaven Jacque Alexander, author of RACISM IN WHITE AMERICA, can provide insightful ideas and facilitate conversations about racism in America.
This article takes the audience back to the sources of the movement, the big personalities who were behind it, and the fans who eventually pushed it forward. At the same time, it examines its profound influence on the American society and the continuing fight for social and racial justice.
1. Why did the Black Lives Matter Movement Begin?
Born out of years of systematic racism and police brutality, the movement becomes a powerful call for racial equality, justice, and the protection of Black lives. The movement began after the acquittal of George Zimmerman in the shooting of Trayvon Martin. The Black Lives Matter Movement gained prominence following the tragic deaths of unarmed Black individuals. Consequently, this sparked protests and conversations about racial injustice worldwide.
‘Black Lives Matter’ became an emphatic statement against racism and brutality by the police. The movement cares for a number of issues, including police brutality, mass imprisonment, and racial discrimination.
2. The People Behind the Movement
The Black Lives Matter (BLM) movement has never been about the movement’s founders who started it in 2013, Alicia Garza, Opal Tometi & Patrisse Cullors. It has always been more about the grassroots vision they conjured, which called to address the systematic dehumanization of Black people in America. Such a vision encouraged people to elicit a call for racial equality and fairness throughout the country.
It has grown beyond its founders, becoming a global cause embraced by organizations, activists, and people of all backgrounds. Many established people, including actors, athletes, and politicians, have advocated the cause very successfully by raising their voices and using their power. Equally vital are ordinary people joining protests and contributing to the fight for justice.
3. The Role of Protests and Social Media
According to the New York Times in 2020, Black Lives Matter might be the largest movement in U.S. history. The movement was propelled by social media as well, where users spread hashtags like #BlackLivesMatter and shared videos of police abuse. These networks also raised the profile of the cause and aided in the coordination of protests and supporters around the world. Social media has made sure that every instance of abuse is not only witnessed but that the need for change reaches many people and encourages action.
4. Results and Ongoing Challenges
The BLM movement has achieved some milestones like police reforms, taking down some confederate flags, and increased responsiveness to systemic racism. Recurrent pledges from corporations and institutions have been made to target racial inequality, and conversations on racial justice have emerged. On the other hand, these developments have also shaped into their fair share of obstacles, some of which are resistance from opponents of the movement and the efforts made towards systemic transformation.
5. The Relation between BLM and the Cultural Perspective through Art
The fight for racial justice would actually be incomplete without mentioning the role art and cultural expression have in amplifying the Black Lives Matter movement. Painters have addressed murals graffiti, and the film and music industries have also highlighted the pain, strength, and joy that exists in the Black communities. Such artists graffiti streets saying “Black Lives Matter,” and this amounts to how the space is now transformed into a canvas of awareness and resistance. Film and music producers made it a point to concentrate on systemic racism and social justice issues, hence communicating the message of the movement to different groups worldwide. Art was, therefore, not only used in the recording of the movement but also in various other ways, such as eliciting solidarity and calling important discussions.
So, the Black Lives Matter movement is actually very significant in the US in its struggle against racism. It has shown the glaring injustices of the black communities from another realistic perspective and the world at large.
If this ongoing fight feels overwhelming and is weighing on your mental health, take a moment to reflect and remind yourself to embrace the person in the mirror. You are unique. You are you, and that’s enough! If you want to read more about the struggles of racism, grab a copy of RACISM IN WHITE AMERICA today!