Black Lives Matter is a movement that has sparked quite a bit of controversy and support amongst North American people. There are a myriad of misconceptions surrounding the movement, many of which are negative. There are a host of reasons why people do not understand the movement, including lack of tolerance, home environment, deficit in education, just refusing to listen, and countless other reasons why someone wouldn't understand. I am writing this just for you, my friends. Think of this piece of work as your personal guide to understand the Black Lives Matter movement.

1. Black Lives Matter does not believe that all lives do not.

This is probably the most common misconception when it comes to the Black Lives Matter movement (Since we're pals I'm going to refer to "Black Lives Matter" as BLM now). Many people feel that BLM is prejudiced because of its name. This is just total hogwash. The BLM movement is called "Black Lives Matter" because it seems as though our government and a great majority of out society does not seem to believe that black lives matter. This is evident in the way black people are continuously murdered by law enforcement, incarcerated for petty crimes for more than twice the time that significantly paler and more European appearing peers, paid less, treated worse, constantly harassed by law enforcement and prejudice store workers, and culturally appropriated on the daily. The BLM is simply standing up for its people and other mistreated United States citizens because at this time in society people of color need a peaceful voice to reach across the nation. BLM is a platform for frustrated Americans to let the world know that they matter too.

2. Black Lives Matter does not only care about black people.

Many people feel like BLM is solely for black people. This is an understandable misconception due to the name. However, in the "Guiding Principals" section of the BLM website "diversity" is the first stated principal. When one mouses over the "diversity" icon it flips over and gives a description of the movement's policies on diversity; acknowledging, respecting, and celebrating differences and commonalities. The movement cares for everyone, there is even a section of the principals section dedicated to "transgender affirming"!

3. Black Lives Matter does have an agenda.

BLM does not only show up and disturb certain unsympathetic white people when yet another person of color is murdered in cold blood. Contrary to popular belief BLM is asking for "include swift and transparent legal investigation of all police shootings of black people; official governmental tracking of the number of citizens killed by police, disaggregated by race; the demilitarization of local police forces; and community accountability mechanisms for rogue police officers" according to the BLM website. The agenda is clear and strong, but many people choose to ignore it in an effort to belittle the movement.

4. Black Lives Matter is not anti-American/ terrorist.

The idea that BLM is anti-American and terrorist is extremely comical to me. I really do not understand where this idea comes from, but I have heard it countless times. This to me is comparable to saying the civil rights movement was anti-American or that one of the civil war sides was terrorist. Has the "American" spirit not been to have the "American Dream" and freedom? BLM strives to have this for black American people. Yes, black people have access to it, black people and other people of color are running about eighty years behind white people on the freedom thing and until 1968 the US wasn't really doing so well with the whole equal opportunities for jobs and education part either.

5. Black Lives Matter has legitimate, set in stone leaders.

For some odd reason many people believe that BLM has zero organization. My only explanation for this belief is the lack of explanatory light shed on the movement, people hear about it, see protests, and then do not get much information as to why and what is going on. So of course many people believe that BLM has no leadership. According to the BLM website, the movement is led by three women ( GIRL POWER! In the style of the Cheetah Girls): Alicia Garza, Opal Tometi, and Patrice Cullors. They created the movement in the wake of the Trayvon Martin murder case as a response to "anti-black racism". Their story can be found under the "herstory" tab of the webpage.

As the Black Lives Matter and other "matter" groups rise up in our society it is important to understand what these groups mean by "matter." As a country that prides itself as a "great American melting pot," we must continue to grow and nurture the melting pot ideal we sang with "School House Rock" in our youth and learn how to make all parts of the melting pot feel like they belong in the stew. I encourage anyone that has misunderstandings or would like to know more about the Black Lives Matter movement to check out the website. It's a beautifully set up website with a ton of information for anyone who has questions.