07/13/13 #BlackLivesMatter Launched

07/13/13 #BlackLivesMatter Launched

Dear friend:

 

Eleven years ago, Patrisse Cullors, Alicia Garza, and Opal Tometi piloted the online movement, #BlackLivesMatter. Originally created to honor the life of Trayvon Martin, and condemn police brutality, this initiative has grown to become the mouthpiece for dismantling racist systems nationwide and beyond.

 

To me, #BlackLivesMatter is a movement that signifies the centuries of oppression, hardship and biases that Black people have been forced to carry and adapt to. It is disheartening that we must yell “Black Lives Matter!” to gain recognition of our struggle. This movement is no different than the abolition movements in the 19th century, or the Civil Rights movements of the 1950s-60s. Racism, in all its many forms, will continue until we can all say, “Black Lives Matter!” and truly understand what it means.

 

I encourage everyone to consider what #BlackLivesMatter means to them. How does it make you feel? Where do you stand in the fight against racism – as a direct target, an ally, or something in between? Let us use this anniversary to continue engaging in conversation about racism, its systems, and the positions we hold in this enduring issue.

 

Nafisa Jeilani
SCW Social Media Intern

 

#BLM #BlackLivesMatter #StopPoliceBrutality

 

https://syracuseculturalworkers.com/collections/black-african-american

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