Black Lives Matter By Grace Sanni

Black Lives Matter (BLM) is an organized movement advocating for non-violent civil disobedience in protest against alleged incidents of police brutality against Afro-American people. An organization known simply as Black Lives Matter exists as a decentralized network with over 30 chapters in the United States and sister organizations worldwide, while a larger Black Lives Matter movement exists consisting of various separate like-minded organizations such as Dream Defenders and Assata's Daughters. The broader movement and its related organizations typically advocate against police violence towards black people, as well as for various other policy changes considered to be related to black liberation

In 2013, the movement began with the use of the hashtag #BlackLivesMatter#on social media after the acquittal of George Zimmerman in the shooting death of African-American teen Trayvon Martin in February 2012. The movement became nationally recognized for street demonstrations following the 2014 deaths of two African Americans: Michael Brown—resulting in protests and unrest in Ferguson, a city near St. Louis—and Eric Garner in New York City Since the Ferguson protests, participants in the movement have demonstrated against the deaths of numerous other African Americans by police actions and/or while in police custody. In the summer of 2015, Black Lives Matter activists became involved in the 2016 United States presidential election The originators of the hashtag and call to action, Alicia Garza, Patrisse Cullors, and Opal Tometi, expanded their project into a national network of over 30 local chapters between 2014 and 2016.

The overall Black Lives Matter movement, however, is a decentralized network and has no formal hierarchy. The movement returned to national headlines and gained further international attention during the global George Floyd protests in 2020 following Floyd's death by police officer Derek Chauvin in Minneapolis, Minnesota.

Personal Development 

During the week of 8 June, Personal Development Google Meets, students in Years 7 and 8 explored the recent events surrounding the Black Lives Matter movement. Students explored and discussed the recent protests that have taken place (with a focus on America and Britain), viewed articles on the topic, and were introduced to related concepts, such as white privilege and power.

In addition, a discussion on ‘who decides our history’ took place, with the context being the toppling of Edward Colston’s statue in Bristol. Students were asked to reflect on what they and other people can do in order to show their support for this cause.

It was a brilliant discussion, and we hope that through it students were able to enhance their understanding of the importance of inclusion and equality. We want students to be able to stand strong against all forms of discrimination, hate and violence and to promote tolerance between all people in society.

Some students have created their own illustrations in support of the Black Lives Matter movement and a couple of examples of these are shown here.

Curriculum Leader of Personal Development (PSHE & Enrichment)

Following the Personal Development Google Meets, students were asked to give feedback via a Google Form and some of these responses are shown below: 

Question: What did you learn today?
More about the black lives matter protests that have been occurring everywhere at the moment

About Equality
I learnt about what happened to George Floyd in more detail and learnt about BLM. I also learnt about white privilege which I already knew about but learnt more.

White Privilege
What it meant by BLM
What the meaning of the statue was

I learnt more about what is happening in the world and little things I can do to help it. I also expanded my knowledge on what white privilege is.

That all lives matter and it doesn’t matter what race you are.

Question: What would you like to go and research?

How to make a difference and stand up for others
I want to know more about the Black Lives Matter movement.

About all of the people that have been killed by police officers and about white privilege.
How to help against it.
What is other things happen because of racism.
Learn more about what a white privilege.
More ways to help with what’s going on in the world and why it is happening.
I’d like to research what will change in the future. Will racism be stopped?

Please see below some resources that will help to educate and inform about the Black Lives Matter movement:

TV Series: https://www.digitalspy.com/tv/ustv/a32751963/best-films-documentaries-educate-racism/  

Ted Talk with the founding members of Black Lives Matter:

https://www.ted.com/talks/alicia_garza_patrisse_cullors_and_opal_tometi_an_interview_with_the_founders_of_black_lives_matter?language=en    

Charities and organisations to support: https://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/how-to-support-anti-racist-charities-uk-black-lives-matter-a9545986.html