Black Lives Matter painted on Fulton Street, between Marcy and Tompkins Avenues, in Bed-Stuy, Brooklyn. Photo: Paul Martinka
Read the article: Julia Marsh and David Meyer. Brooklyn’s Black Lives Matter Street Mural Area will be Pedestrian-only Plaza. New York Post. 15 June 2020.
I feel like this photograph does a great job in making people see what they would rather turn away from, and what they believe doesn't concern them, because it doesn't affect their lives or those of the people they love.
That has been the problem, since historically we separated people based on skin color and then. made that the basis of deciding their humanity. The struggle to be seen --first as human lives and then, as equal citizens, is a centuries-old struggle and it is tragic that in the year 2020, we have still not decided, as one of the most developed nations, to say enough is enough, we can and must correct our historical wrongdoings.
This is a human rights issue that has always been more than politics. It is time for people to start holding each other accountable for how they treat others. People need to use their voice and speak for what is right, even if it can make others "uncomfortable." It is the conversation this nation needs to learn to have.
As a young person, I am struggling with how to have this conversation with family, friends, classmates, and even strangers, when I hear or see something that may allow this violence to continue. I hear people say that "All Lives Matter" is more inclusive and we should be saying that instead. But, how can we, when our own history and present events show us otherwise?
Black Lives Matter. Let's support that. Let's not live in denial anymore.
~~ Isabelle Krzys (Class of '23)
Please click on the button to the left to make contributions directly to the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) to support their social justice efforts in the Black Lives Matter movement.
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