As the Black Lives Matter movement rivets attention throughout the country, and even throughout the world, it has caused speculation to form on the movement’s very existence. Is the Black Lives Matter movement based on violence? Many seem to think it is. However, that is not the case.

“Don't let the actions of a few determine the way you feel about an entire group. Remember, not all Germans were Nazis,” said the infamous Erin Gruwell in “The Freedom Writers Diary.” As with any movement or protest, there are those that go to extremes — such as using violence to get their voice heard. However, that should not mean that everyone who participates in the movement should be categorized as being violent. I have heard multiple comments about the movement through articles, social media and many other news outlets that condemn the movement as a whole.

A conversation with my stepdad the other day — he happens to be a conservative, middle-aged white man — sparked something inside of me and inspired me to write this article. “I don’t like the Black Lives Matter movement,” he boldly said to me, in a raised tone. “All you hear about is how violent incidences are attached to the movement all the time.” What he said was totally understandable because the news outlets we pay attention to have the power to manipulate what America thinks about certain issues. If some news media outlets continue to portray #BlackLivesMatter movement in a negative light, more and more people will begin to view the entire movement differently.

Many people are not exposed to the world of the everyday black man or woman, or many other minorities. They aren’t "woke," as the people of my generation would say. No man, woman, child regardless of their skin color should wake up every day worrying if they will live to see the next day. No one should be afraid of being encountered with the police, and wondering if they will walk out of the situation alive. African-American’s have been persecuted against for centuries, and signs of history repeating itself can be seen even in today’s society.

#BLM should be seen as a peaceful movement, filled with people who want to have their voices heard. People of all colors are coming together to support one another and one cause — stop the killing of innocent African-Americans. We are tired of hearing about our fellow brothers and sisters being shot and killed. We want to feel safe again, in our own cities, neighborhoods and homes. Supporters of the movement do not hate the police — personally I respect the men and women who put their lives on the line everyday to help protect the several cities throughout our country. We all just want to feel like our lives matter again, We're tired of being killed off one by one and the justice system acting as if our individual lives do not matter. America’s future is hanging on a thread, honestly, with racial tensions on the rise as you read this sentence. To solve this issue, we all need to come together to support our great nation from falling apart before it is too late.

Stay "woke," America.