Sitting down to write this entry, a million thoughts enter my mind about the current state of our nation and its citizens. These are unprecedented times filled with anger, exhaustion, and a desperate need for reformation. Sometimes, it can all feel very overwhelming. I think what is most important right now is to educate ourselves as much as possible about the horrific systemic racism that plagues our country and the all-too-important movement that has spread globally these past few weeks.
That is why Studio Hill is introducing a new category to our Journal called “Breaking it Down,” where we pick a small portion of the huge overall movement and demands that are so prevalent in today’s news and society, and break it down for you. We want this to be an educational, hopefully eye-opening experience for our audience to turn to if they have questions or simply need all of the mass of information broken down for them a little more.
For the first entry, we are breaking down the Black Lives Matter movement; how it got started, what it really represents, and what it means for our society.
The Black Lives Matter movement was founded originally as a hashtag on social media in response to the acquittal of Trayvon Martin’s murderer in 2013. After the hashtag really took off, the Black Lives Matter Foundation, Inc. was started, and has become a a global organization in the US, UK, and Canada, whose mission is to “eradicate white supremacy and build local power to intervene in violence inflicted on Black communities by the state and vigilantes” (blacklivesmatter.com). At the core of this movement is the idea that Black lives—along with so many other marginalized groups—have been sidelined and viewed as less-than since the founding of this country by its white leaders. The belief that this cannot and should not carry on and the strive for an inclusive and spacious movement is what Black Lives Matter is all about. Also, contrary to popular belief, this movement does not solely rally around Black lives in America; it also represents Black queer and trans folks, disabled people, undocumented people, those with records, women, and all Black lives along the gender spectrum.
What they are fighting for: a world where Black lives are no longer systemically targeted for demise by their own government. This is a rallying cry for all who strive for liberation and who constantly need to affirm their humanity and contributions to this society.
All of this eye-opening information can be found by just a few easy clicks into the Black Lives Matter website. This is a prime example of why, in this day and age, there is no excuse to be uneducated and ill-informed.
Perhaps the most poignant aspect of the Black Lives Matter Global Network is its member-led, chapter-based way of growing. The mission to build local power and to intervene when violence was inflicted by the state is commendable in itself, but realizing that every chapter of the movement in every state is created and led by “ordinary” citizens makes this (now) global movement all the more impressive and hopeful.
And the reach and influence that this movement has managed to obtain is nothing short of astounding. Many of its organizers have ousted anti-Black politicians (such as prosecutors in Chicago and Cleveland), fought for critical legislation to benefit Black lives (such as defunding the police), and changed the terms of the debate on Blackness around the world.
Perhaps the biggest argument and misconception when it comes to Black Lives Matter is simply the name of the movement itself. Many people hear the phrase “Black lives matter” and immediately feel the need to argue that “all lives matter” instead. The name of this movement confuses some, angers others, and is simply misconstrued by most. Black Lives Matter does not assert that Black lives should be held above others or that they matter more. On the contrary, Black Lives Matter is simply urging Black people to be seen as equal in society, to knock down the white, male pedestals that are so apparent in this country, and to instead treat Black lives, as well as women, POCs, and all other marginalized groups as though they matter in this country just as much as those at the very top.
The Black Lives Matter website says it best: “In affirming that Black Lives Matter, we need not qualify our position. To love and desire freedom and justice for ourselves is a prerequisite for wanting the same for others.”