#BlackLivesMatter has become part of a symbolic movement with a powerful message. First tweeted on April 11, 2012, following the shooting death of Trayvon Martin, #BlackLivesMatter began trending heavily during protests after the death of Michael Brown in Ferguson, Mo. Three years later, it remains relevant.
For me, the hashtag conjures up images of black men, women and children who have died due to senseless violence. I mourn daily for the black lives – all lives – lost because of these tragic events.
People are not racist for thinking the lives of black people should matter to everyone. I think the lives of all people are important. But in light of recent high-profile deaths of black men and the racial unrest in Baltimore, many in society need to be reminded that black lives do indeed matter.
But why focus on deaths, if black lives matter?
As a little girl growing up in Shreveport, La., during the civil rights movement of the 1960s, I had no idea what was happening in the world around me. I had two parents – a seamstress and a mechanic – who were my providers and protectors. I felt safe in a black community. A year after high school, I joined the military and was stationed in Germany. I lived in a small military town where I continued to feel safe and protected.
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Stirring Up Trouble by DrVLoLil 
I was moved by your blog post that detailed the reality of #BlackLivesMatter. It is a great site to see so many individuals; especially the younger youth of America speak up about the injustices of these senseless black killings. This hash tag has spoken volumes and has become symbolic for the tragedies that we have experienced in this day of age. Social media has been used to its highest potential; individuals have been able to voice their outrage and message in a nonviolent manner. I do however agree with your statement regarding being concerned that eventually #BlackLivesMatter will dwindle away. I believe it is pertinent that individuals go beyond simply reacting just when an incidence takes place. Instead the conversation should advance, petitions should be made, and above all actions should be taken—continuously. Black lives shouldn’t solely matter when a murder takes place—it should always matter—it should consistently be something we fight to protect.
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Yes Vivetta, you are correct! This has to be more than a reaction to an injustice, but sadly, that is often the case.
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Wow your such a way with words, but you are so right #blacklivesmatter is very strong social media movement, I think its great way for everyone in get out there and speak. I feel that words can change a lot especially when its on a treading social media account.
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Thank you, I hope you meant that in a good way. I enjoy writing. I am trying to utilize this space, but it is very time consuming. I have some more things to post, so please follow the blog and stay connected.
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I enjoyed what you had to say about the #BlackLivesMatter because society is looking at this situation in one perspective. The recent events that occurred have triggered this symbolic movement and for a good reason too. People would make statements about the way society views black people in a negative way yet they were not being heard. So, I think when the tragic event of Micheal Brown occurred, some people started to listen. I feel like sometimes as humans, we cannot see what is going on around us because we are constantly engaged with our daily tasks until something tragic happens which makes us focus momentarily.
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