A hashtag. A response. An outrage. Heartfelt. It ignited. It moved. #Blacklivesmatter resonated with individuals that repeatedly watched Black lives executed by hands of police or White folks who used their privilege to murder unarmed Black lives.
In 2013, after the acquittal of George Zimmerman for the unnecessary slaughter of Trayvon Martin, Alicia Garza posted using the hashtag #BlackLivesMatter — and the rest is history. #BLM became a passion. Black Lives Matter started as a movement in a moment and became a principle. Black Lives Matter is a profound statement. A declaration. We have witnessed a profound uprising by those ignited by the fire of Black Lives Matter! Therefore, my question to those who are calling for the disregard of #BLM is: Shouldn’t Black lives matter? Why is it problematic to move in the moment that has ignited a historic movement? What harm is there in organizing around a principle? Why not allow a hashtag to become a living organism? Most that wear the shirts, hats, and so on, are NOT tied to a Black Lives Matter chapter. There are signs posted all around the nation and most that share those signs are NOT part of any formal organization. However, they have aligned themselves with the Black Lives Matter PRINCIPLE.
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