Blog Post #3

After reading Why Teaching Black Lives Matter (BLM) movement, Pt. 1, I understand why the author believes that the most criticism against the BLM movement stems from a failure to acknowledge the conditions that created resistance in the first place.  I think that for change to happen, we need to be honest as to why the movement was first created.  The BLM movement began after the death of Trayvon Martin in response to brutality on unarmed blacks.  As the movement grew, people became increasingly upset and frustrated because of the countless deaths of unarmed blacks at the hands of the police or people in authority.  I feel as though one of the biggest concerns of the movement consisted with zero accountability, as in most of these recent cases, as police were were not charged or sent to trial.  

There was a time when I remember turning on the news and seeing countless other police shootings against unarmed Blacks and thinking to myself, What is going on and why is this continuing to happen?  Why are all these black unarmed men, children and women being shot or killed while in police custody?  Why are we seen as a threat?  Also, why isn’t anyone being held accountable for these deaths?  As a result of all these unanswered questions, I understand the reasons and need for the BLM movement.  The BLM movement does not mean that ALL lives don’t matter because they do.  To me it’s just saying we need to increase awareness of our perspective and understand that, right now in this world, black lives should matter too! This video link details why the BLM movement is important more now than ever.  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U_VaNhI4CLo

I also believe that the name of the BLM movement turns a lot of people away because it’s being viewed as one-sided or racist.  I wish that there would be more positive portrayals and actions of the BLM movement on the news.  This way, we could all learn that the BLM movement represents the oppression of several issues such as transgender community and women, not just black men.  As stated, in the article Why Teaching Black Lives Matter, it’s mission is invested in liberation for all.  Teaching the BLM movement to our students, whether it’s in the classroom or at a community center, will help bring awareness to the good deeds of the movement.    

With all that being said, I don’t support people portraying to stand and represent the BLM movement who cause harm to police.  These officers and community members put their lives on the line everyday to keep citizens, communities and businesses safe.