This article is intended to help explain what is Black Lives Matter, why it is important, and how you can get involved.

If you do not know what is going on in the world, there are protests happening for justice for George Floyd – and, more broadly, victims of racial violence everywhere. Take some time to read up on the recent events that are going on.

As a person of color, I typically stay away from polarizing topics, but today I’ve made the decision to speak out. I wanted to use my platform help educate others that may not understand the importance of this matter and also provide some ways on how you can help make a difference.

What Is Black Lives Matter?

#BlackLivesMatter was founded in 2013 in response to the acquittal of Trayvon Martin’s murderer. Black Lives Matter Foundation, Inc is 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. By combating and countering acts of violence, creating space for Black imagination and innovation, and centering Black joy, we are winning immediate improvements in our lives.

Blacklivesmatter.com

Why Is The Black Lives Matter Movement Important?

This movement is a fight for Freedom, Liberation, and Justice for those that face racism. It’s a fight asking that open societies make good on the promise of equality – both before the law, and day-to-day between citizens.

But don’t all (and blue lives) matter too?

When an individual says ALL LIVES MATTER or BLUE LIVES MATTER, I want to make it very clear that this movement is not saying that those lives do not matter. The lives of everyone matter, and the lives of those that protect us matter. The issue is that Black people like Trayvon Martin and George Floyd, just to name a few of the very many, have died at the hands of those that have power and wield it unjustly – in these cases by police officers. There are countless stories of black lives being lost from avoidable police violence – with no growth, consequences, or change between incidents.

This movement is working towards a better world where Black lives are no longer systematically targeted for demise.

Blacklivesmatter.com

Here’s a great explanation why statements like “All Lives Matter” are not helpful, but problematic.

Why should I care?

Your voice matters in this movement, no matter who you are or your race. Your support matters. This is about ending racism, healing, and making a better society for everyone. As Desmond Tutu has stated, “If you are neutral in situations of injustice, you have chosen the side of the oppressor.”

How Can You Help?

I’ve listed some ways to help and support the movement:

Most resources are taken from the Black Lives Matter ‘Ways You Can Help‘, this is not an inclusive list.

• Donate to the Black Lives Matter movement by clicking here;
• Sign petitions that ask for a change. Check out the list of petitions, including ‘Justice for George Floyd’ by clicking here.
• Support the National Police Accountability Project – a group of the National Lawyers Guild that helps people find legal counsel. Click here;
• Check out this ‘If You Can’t Donate Thread’
• Check out Black Lives Matter tool kits and resources;
• Read about 75 ways you can do for racial justice;
• Read about Hoboken Girl’s 25 ways to advocate for racial justice;
• Check out Anti-Racism For Beginners;
• Support Black-owned/Minority-owned businesses by shopping small with them;
• Register to vote. The first step to enacting change is having people in power that can really change the system;
• Check out the Black Lives Will Always Matter Quick Links;