Social movements have been a part of history since time immemorial. These movements seek to achieve specific social goals, which would lead to improving the living conditions of one or more groups of people. These movements help the oppressed people face the higher-ups and seek to end discriminatory activities. One of the most important social movements in recent times is the Black Lives Matter Movement, known as the BLM Movement.

The BLM movement is a social movement that seeks to eradicate racism against black people, primarily dealing with the recurring cases of police brutality against black people. Reading an essay about Black Lives Matter would help you understand the movement better. These essay examples are an excellent way to get in-depth knowledge about the causes and the need for the BLM protest. Keep reading if you wish to know more about this Social movement.

Early history: Trayvon Martin shooting

One of the earliest incidents that led to the American movement's origin was the fatal shooting of a teenage African-American, Trayvon Martin, by George Zimmerman, an American man. The shooting took place on February 26, 2012. He was charged when a second-degree murder, but on July 13, 2013, he was acquitted of all his charges. While many celebrated Zimmerman's win, many people raised their voices against the unfair acquittal of George Zimmerman. The BLM movement was thus born, as people started using the hashtag #BlackLivesMatter on social media.

Subsequent protests

The movement got national recognition in 2014 when people took to the streets to protest against the death of two African-Americans, namely Michael Brown and Eric Garner, in St. Louis and New York City, respectively. The movement again came into the limelight in 2020, with several similar cases being reported.

In February 2020, another African-American, Ahmaud Arbery, was shot while jogging in a local park in Georgia. The three assailants assumed he was a burglar and blocked his way using their vehicles. When he tried to defend himself, they shot him, fatally wounding him, recorded by one of the assailants on their cell phone. The local authorities did not make any arrests for the longest time. It wasn't until the local radio station got its hands on the video and uploaded it on social media that any action was taken.

In March 2020, Breonna Taylor, an African-American woman, was shot down in her own home when seven police officers entered her house to "investigate" drug-dealing operations. Her house was never searched for the drugs, though. Her boyfriend, who was in the apartment with her, came forward with his testimony, but no action was taken.

The murder of George Floyd by Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin in May 2020 was the final straw. It led to an eruption of voices against police brutality, and many came forward to show their support for the BLM movement. With the connectivity that social media provides nowadays, the movement gained wide popularity, and people across nations showed their support by donating to organizations that could contribute to the campaign.

BLM mission

The BLM mission statement clearly states that it wants to "eradicate white supremacy", "build local power to intervene in violence inflicted on black communities", and create "space for Black imagination and innovation". The movement strives to end the discrimination that people of color have faced in America for years. It seeks to establish a society where innocent African-Americans are not killed for "presumed" crimes. It also hopes to alleviate Black artists who are an essential mouthpiece for the discrimination faced by their community.

Why is this movement important?

The lack of response and the laxity of the local authorities highlighted the racism that still existed within the police force, and the protests sought justice for the unfair treatment meted out to these people, as well as introducing reform movements within the police force. This movement is essential because this is a clear violation of the fundamental human rights of black people. Nobody should be subject to discrimination and violence based on the color of their skin.

Conclusion

The BLM movement is a significant social movement aiming at equality for black people. To tackle the discrimination, education systems should focus on the history of suffering of the people of color in America. A student, at the college or university level, should be able to empathize with their sorrows and offer their support to the movement. No logic could justify not supporting the movement.