THE BEGINNING: #BLACKLIVESMATTER
Activism, the policy or action of using vigorous campaigning to bring about political or social change, can be the spark of something huge. The Black Lives Matter Movement is one of the many results that have been produced by the power of activism. The origin of this movement is well described by its own website www.blacklivesmatter.com. In their website they give a detailed description by stating, “#BlackLivesMatter was created in 2012 after Trayvon Martin’s murderer, George Zimmerman, was acquitted for his crime, and dead 17-year old Trayvon was posthumously placed on trial for his own murder. Rooted in the experiences of Black people in this country who actively resist our dehumanization, #BlackLivesMatter is a call to action and a response to the virulent anti-Black racism that permeates our society. Black Lives Matter is a unique contribution that goes beyond extrajudicial killings of Black people by police and vigilantes.” (www.blacklivesmatter.com).
Those who support #BlackLivesMatter, believe that many black lives are being deprived their basic rights as humans. Not only does this movement support the rights for black lives, it works as a news flash that proves that things have not fully changed in terms of racial discrimination since the Civil Rights Movement of 1960. We are constantly told to believe that racism is diminishing but this movement clearly shows that the level of racism has remained somewhat stagnant. Those who support this movement understand that the call for this form of activism is nothing more than a rally cry for black lives trying to regain or "finally regain" their freedom.
The movement is by itself interesting to read about but those who created #BlackLivesMatter deserve their spotlight too. Alicia Garza along with Patrisse Cullors and Opal Tometi decided to create this movement as a call to action for black people after hearing about the horrifying events like the one involving 17-year-old Trayvon Martin. These three women work as activists in order to make a change in their society along with their communities. Their focus is to expand what started as a hashtag on social media, into a movement as big and powerful as they can. They wish to create a change that will produce a positive impact that will last.
Reference: http://blacklivesmatter.com/%20about/