What is the Black Lives Matter Movement?

As Wikipedia states, "Black Lives Matter is a movement advocating for non-violent civil disobedience in protest against incidents of police brutality and all racially motivated violence against African-American people."

BLM is committed to dismantling systemic and individual racism, and creating safe spaces for Black Americans to thrive. The official movement was founded in 2013 in response to the acquittal of George Zimmerman, who had shot and murdered Trayvon Martin. BLM remained active since then, but was catalyzed by the recent murders of Ahmaud Arbery, Breonna Taylor, and George Floyd. The movement is larger than ever, and with your support, BLM can be even greater.

Image taken from this website.

Why we Care

Gloria: I care about Black Lives Matter because racism towards people of color has resulted in multiple innocent lives being lost. We shouldn't stand for this anymore because if “All Lives” should matter, “Black Lives” should also be included. I care because I shouldn’t have to feel unsafe when I am sleeping (Breonna Taylor). I care because I shouldn't have to worry about being shot for doing normal things: Babysitting (Atatiana Jefferson), jogging (Ahmaud Arbery), using my phone (Stephon Clark), etc.

Tiffany: I care about Black Lives Matter because racism and racial violence against Black Americans is deeply rooted in American history, and continues to this day. We cannot deny that race affects so many aspects of society. Our country never was and still isn't color blind. With so many innocent black lives being lost, we absolutely cannot turn a blind eye to racism against the Black community.