Black Lives Matter And The Civil Rights Movement

Race Relations is a constant fight this country has struggled with for hundreds of years. From slavery, to Jim Crow Laws, to the Civil Rights Movement, it seems as though we just can’t seem to get it right. Although race relations have greatly improved from where we once started, today racial tension is on a rise. In the midst of Police brutality, mass incarceration, cultural appropriation, and racial discrimination, Black Lives Matter (BLM) has emerged to bring awareness to and fight for a solution in the discrimination and mistreatment of African Americans that still exists today. Throughout the duration of its existence, BLM has received stark criticism, the bulk of which stems from media outlets. This paper will explore the history and

Although the movement has founders, it does not have a true definite leader, which sets this movement apart from others like it in the past. This in itself can prove to lead to confusion as without a definite leader, it is difficult to distinguish between true members of the movement and radicals who have chosen to take matters into their own hands. Sometimes coined as “The new civil rights movement,” Black Lives Matter has birthed many young activists who seek to ensure their voice is heard. Individuals have chosen to use different tactics to bring awareness to the struggles of African Americans and the injustices they face which sometimes include insinuating violence. However, in those cases, prominent voices of the Black Lives Matter movement have denounced their support for such activity. In this day in time, social media outlets are a popular form of communication, a main tool BLM has

It is unfair and unethical to falsely portray an organization that leads to its discrimination. The negative portrayal blocks the support Black Lives Matter needs from all to reach its desired goals. It is my personal opinion that if the public becomes more educated on the ideals and basis of establishment of the Black Lives Matter movement, the public would be more accepting and more eager in aiding in the generation of solutions. Psalm 82: 34 reminds us to “Vindicate the oppressed and suffering” while 1 John 3:17-18 declares that “whoever has the world’s goods and sees his brother in need and closes his heart against him, how does the love of God abide in him?” African Americans have a history of being oppressed in America and suffering from the poor race relations that have existed in the past. As christians, we have a moral obligation to stand with our brother and sisters in christ who have fought and are still fighting diligently to eradicate the racial discrimination faced on a daily basis. Although one may not understand the African American experience, that does not mean it doesn’t exist. To discredit the validity and turn a blind eye to the issues at hand is not what God has called us to do as christians. Instead, we should listen to and seek an understanding to the issues African Americans face and what can be done as a solution. Racism is and always will be a difficult