personal blog: black lives matter
These past two weeks has been one of the most eye opening weeks in my life - I was so unaware of racism that still exists today. Living in sunny Southern California as an Asian female, I only experienced racism once in high school when my sister and I were made fun of for our eyes but that was about it. Although it wasn’t that big of a deal I remember those girls till this day and I will probably never forget. But what about the Black Americans who go through this, a lot worse than this, every day? In the last two weeks I have learned so much about the Black community and how they have been suffering with racism for centuries and it made my heart ache. I had just watched a Netflix Documentary, 13th, and that is what made me want to write a blog about it because this isn’t a “trend,” it’s real. It is too real.
What happened - George Floyd
Black Lives Matter slogan has been around for many years but it became a worldwide protest when the video of George Floyd surfaced the internet on May 25, 2020. George Floyd was a Black man who was being arrested for allegedly using counterfeit money to buy cigarettes. He was not resisting during his arrest however, a White Minneapolis police officer violently pinned him down with his knee on his neck as George yelled, “I can’t breathe” and pleaded for his life. He died after. He was murdered in broad daylight and even with a crowd yelling the police officer to stop and while filming the murder, he did it anyway, showing the massive injustice, zero accountability and white supremacy embedded in the “criminal justice” system. It was days after protests throughout the nation that the police officer, who brutally murdered George, Derek Chauvin, got arrested. What is so disgusting is that he probably would have gotten away with his murder if it wasn’t filmed and became a nation-wide news. What is crazy is that many cops probably get away with similar cruel incidents every year.
After Floyd's death, protests were held globally against the use of excessive force by police officers against Black suspects and lack of police accountability. Although the media portrayed protesters as “thugs” (Trump’s label for protesters) for looting and setting buildings on fire, the majority of the protests were peaceful. Protests developed in over 400 cities throughout all 50 U.S. states and internationally. As there were riots and looting, major cities imposed curfews and over 24,000 National Guard personnel were called. From the beginning of the protests to June 3, at least 11,000 people had been arrested, including all four police officers involved in the arrest which led to Floyd's death.
What I Did to Help - Learn, Share, Educate Others, Donate, Email, Protest
During this time, I wanted to use my social media platforms to raise awareness. I tried to do my part and stand with the Black community and everyone who has lost their lives at the hand of injustice and inequality. I listened, read, learned, donated, and signed countless petitions. Everyday was an eye-opening experience as I read stories about how awfully Black people are treated and what they have to do everyday so that they aren’t pulled over or harassed by the police. It was so frustrating watching and realizing that we live in a cruel world where racism is still alive. What is most frustrating was that there are people who are denying, unaware of racism, and think these protests are not necessary just because it didn’t affect their lives.
I went to a peaceful protest at a nearby city to show my support to my Black sisters and brothers and it was so amazing. As I held up my poster that read “We stand for love, We stand for hope, We stand for peace, We stand for unity, We stand AGAINST racism” alongside my friends, it was one of the most empowering experiences in my life. We sat on a grassfield next to a busy street intersection and listened to Black speakers talk about their experiences with racism and how they are so grateful for people standing up and uniting for them during this time.
Conclusion
“All lives can’t matter until black lives matter”
Today is June 12th and it’s been about 2 weeks since George’s death. I didn’t fully understand it before but I’ve learned so much about Black Lives Matter movement. Stating that Black lives matter doesn't insinuate that other lives don’t but that we can focus on the Black community right now because they need our help. As the world is slowly going back to “normal” I am so proud that many of us were so united during this troubling time and that this isn’t just a fluke. This is yet another wake up call to the entire world that racism still exists and we need to keep fighting. Let’s use our voice to educate, speak up against injustice, and make sure to check in with our beloved Black community.
Xx,
Amie