Blacks Lives Matter is probably the largest social movement in the history of the United States. Primarily, it is a decentralized social and political movement that advocates for non-violent civil disobedience by protesting against events of racism and police brutality directed towards the black people. With the elevated cases of police brutality and other forms of injustices against the black people, a social media hashtag was started in the year 2013; #BlackLivesMatter. This social media hashtag was highly triggered by the shooting which led to the death of an American young boy by the name Trayvon Martin in the year 2012. In the year 2014, the movement was recognized nationally as a result of the death of two African Americans; Michael Brown and Eric Garner. Since then, members of the movement have been demonstrating against the killing of several other African Americans.
Recently, after the killing of George Floyd, Black Lives Matter protests started on 6th june 2020 when around 500,000 people turned out in multiple places in the entire country. This was only one day but the protests continued for a very long time. Research shows that 2020 protests recorded the highest number of participants. This is an indication that many people are not happy with incidences of police brutality. Also, it can be an indication that people are now aware of the significance of airing the voices which is effectively done through peaceful demonstrations. Lack of justice among the blacks in America is not only an incident targeting males but women and girls are also targets of police brutality and other forms of racial injustice. Some of the black women who have been victims of police brutality comprise of Sandra Bland who was killed in 2013, Breonna Taylor who was killed in 2020 and Deborah Danna who was killed in the year 2016.
From an outlook of the events of police brutality and injustices committed against the black people, it is so unfortunate that these things are happening in the 21st century when civilization ought to be at the peak. It is unfortunate that there are people who still continue to judge people on the basis of their complexion and backgrounds. Some of the people who are against movements such as black lives matter argue against the existence of such movements claiming that they are started to further the rift between the blacks and the whites. However, it ought to be taken under consideration that the primary motive for starting black lives matter was to start an initiative that will seek for equality and justice among the black people in the United States. The violence evidenced during these protests should not be taken as an excuse for the primary mission and purpose of the movement.
Currently, there is a major shift from not only having protests but rather seeking policy solutions. A number of black lives activists have started a campaign termed “ Campaign Zero” which is a tool aimed at proposing and ensuring that important polices are implemented preventing the blacks from injustices. This particular campaign has ten policy solutions that has been developed by the help of researchers, protestors’ ad protestors incorporating community demands and ways that equality can be attained.
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