When people hear the phrase "Black Lives Matter," they often have different reactions. Some people agree, while others say, "All Lives Matter." But let’s take a moment to understand why the phrase is important and what it really means.
Black Lives Matter is not just a slogan; it is a cry for justice. It started after the tragic killing of 17-year-old Trayvon Martin in 2012. Trayvon was walking home with a bag of Skittles and an iced tea when he was confronted and killed by George Zimmerman, a man who was later set free. This sparked a movement, but the killings of Black men and women at the hands of police and vigilantes had been happening for decades before Trayvon’s case.
In 1999, a young Black man named Amadou Diallo was shot 19 times by four New York City police officers. They fired a total of 41 shots, claiming they thought he had a gun. He was only reaching for his wallet. These cases are not isolated. Ahmaud Arbery, Breonna Taylor, George Floyd—the list goes on. Each of these individuals lost their lives unjustly, and their families never received true justice.
Looking back even further, we can see that Black people fighting for their rights have always been met with violence. During the 1960s, peaceful protesters were attacked by police dogs, beaten, and sprayed with powerful water hoses just for demanding equality. So, when we say "Black Lives Matter," we are recognizing this long history of injustice.
Why Are They Removing Black Lives Matter Signs?
The Black Lives Matter mural in Washington, D.C., is being erased. Workers from the District Department of Transportation are dismantling traffic bollards and preparing to transform what was once Black Lives Matter Plaza. The push for this removal was led by Republican Representative Andrew Clyde, who even threatened to cut federal funding if the mural remained. But why is this happening? What message does it send when a powerful call for justice is literally wiped away from the streets? It’s a clear reminder that the fight for equality is not over. If anything, it proves that the struggle for justice still makes some people uncomfortable enough to try and silence it.
This should make us ask tough questions. Where are the politicians who came to our communities asking for our votes? Where are the Black leaders in office who promised to fight for us? Many of them have gone silent, and that is a problem. If they cannot stand up for us, then why do we continue to give them our support?
Some might say this is all because of the Trump administration, but the truth is, the system has always been this way. The mindset that allowed slavery, segregation, and police brutality has existed long before Trump was in office. This is not about one leader—it is about a system that has never truly worked for Black people. We should not be naive about this reality.
Is It Fair to Remove Images of Slave-Owning Presidents?
As we see the removal of Black Lives Matter signs, we should also ask: Is it fair to remove images and statues of so-called founding fathers who were presidents but also owned and fathered slaves? Many of these men, including George Washington and Thomas Jefferson, are celebrated in history books, yet they participated in the same system that enslaved Black people. If we are expected to erase reminders of Black struggles, why are we still glorifying those who played a role in our oppression? This question should be seriously considered as part of the larger conversation on justice and historical accountability.
What About the Violence in Our Own Communities?
While we fight against police brutality, we also have to address crime within our own neighborhoods. Too many young Black men and women are being killed by others in our own community. We cannot ignore this issue. If Black lives truly matter, they must matter in every way. This means we have to take care of each other, mentor our youth, and create safe environments for our families.
Time for a New Strategy
Marching and protesting have helped bring attention to these issues, but it is time for action beyond that. The Black community must take control of its own future. This means:
Building and supporting Black-owned businesses.
Creating our own schools to teach real history.
Buying land and developing our own communities.
Holding politicians accountable for their promises.
We cannot keep depending on a system that has failed us time and time again. Just like someone in an unhealthy relationship, we must realize when it is time to walk away and build something better for ourselves. The government has shown us that reparations and fair treatment are not priorities for them. So why keep waiting for change that isn’t coming?
The Path Forward
The answer is unity. If we come together, invest in ourselves, and create opportunities for our people, we will no longer have to beg for justice. We will be strong, independent, and unstoppable. It starts with each one of us making the decision to take action today.
Will you be part of the change?
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