With the poignant and publicized loss of two more Black men, Philandro Castile and Alton Sterling, the Black Lives Matter Movement once again made its way into news headlines this week. As protesters took a stand against police brutality afflicting the African American community, unforeseen acts of violence against police forces emerged.
These acts resulted in the loss of five Dallas officers as well as three officers in Baton Rouge. However, it is critical to note that the Black Lives Matter movement has never called for retaliation against police in the form of violence. We must separate the power of organized protests from the criminal actions of individuals who sought to injure and kill police officers.
In response to the recent police shootings, President Obama condemned attacks against America's police force. Likewise, Quinyetta McMillion, the mother of Alton Sterling's son, affirms that violence is not the answer and claims that her heart aches for the lives of the officers in Dallas. McMillion said it best: "Members of law enforcement have a very difficult job and the vast majority conduct themselves honorably as they protect and serve our communities."
With that said, it becomes clear that advocacy for the safety of Black lives and respect for police forces are not mutually exclusive. It is not impossible to reproach officers who abuse their power, especially in regard to vulnerable communities, and appreciate the majority of officers who chose their occupations to serve -- not terrorize -- the public. It is completely sensible to support virtuous members of law enforcement while remaining against police brutality.
Unfortunately, the media's unwavering fixation with Black Lives Matter has often resulted in blurred lines between the movement's agenda and vicious attacks on police forces. Roughly a year ago, for instance, news outlets constantly played a 30 second clip of BLM protesters chanting threatening slurs towards police.
This incident obviously sparked questions about the movement and its constituents; however, we must consider the legitimacy of protesters. Just as all police aren't pigs, all BLM protesters aren't anti-police.
Currently, the tragic loss of law enforcement officers during Black Lives Matter protests are being used to minimize -- and criminalize -- the protesters' concerns. Moreover, anger and confusion over events ranging from Sterling and Castile to cop killings causes further polarization and disparity between the police and the public. This extends to the BLM protesters and the observers. This illustrates the dangers of having violent forms of resistance loosely associated with a major movement.
To conclude, it is vital that we distinguish nonviolent movements from violent actions. Our nation needs time to heal. It is time to legitimize nonviolent forms of protest and condemn murder -- whether it applies to Black civilians or cops. It's also time to abandon an "all or none" philosophy where all members of law enforcement are viewed as wholly good or entirely evil.
P.S. You can advocate for change by attending protests that embody your beliefs, writing to your Chief of Police, reaching out to a state or local representative, and even seeking education.
