In the past, I have considered myself not political. I'm still discovering who I am in the world of politics. Fortunately, I have never had to stand up for myself, for what I believe in because I've never been faced with a corrupt system targeting me.
With the recent Black Lives Matter Movement, I still have that ability, that privilege. I could do absolutely nothing and my life wouldn't change. Corrupt cops and ignorant people are committing racial injustices every day, but honestly, it doesn't personally affect me. I could stay silent, stay in my safe bubble and no harm would come to me.
However, because of this, I want to help. I want to be a supporter because I believe that those most fortunate were put into this world to help the needy. Right now, the needy are blacks, those who are oppressed just because of the color of their skin. I have never experienced racism firsthand, but to pretend it doesn't exist would be ignorant and privileged.
I've signed petitions, I've donated, I've tried to raise awareness but nothing feels like enough. I feel helpless and unable to make a difference. However, here I have a voice. My voice is through my writing.
I've decided to ask my friends, the people in my community why they support the Black Lives Matter movement in hopes of inspiring others to stop choosing to stay silent but instead take action against this current evil.
Bryce Provance, 18
"I support the Black Lives Matter movement because it's about basic human rights. Every single person deserves to be treated equally no matter what race they are, and it's clear that this is not the case. If we continue to support the movement in any way possible, change will eventually come."
Cole Lilledahl, 17
"It is a privilege to be white in this country and I want to help fight against systemic racism and oppression to create a more equal society for all. There is a lot of rooted racism in this country that is really exposed through our police system. Mass incarceration, racial profiling, police brutality are all problems black Americans face that I don't have to because I'm white. Whites have many more opportunities than blacks, making it easier for them to be successful. I believe it's my duty to try and combat racism to make life equal for all. I support the Black Lives Matter movement in hopes of one day achieving equal opportunity for all races."
Karen Guo, 18
"As an Asian American, I've always been conscious of racism, but I have never experienced racism to the extent that black Americans have. I was raised to be silent about racism especially when it didn't involve me. However, learning about what black Americans have faced in America and their experiences has opened my eyes to the inequality and injustice that still exists in America. I believe now that other minorities should use this time to support blacks who have it the worst in order to start the change needed to transform America into a place for equality and diversity. I support equality for all, so we need to start with those who face the worst discrimination and treatment."
People of all ages and races have come together to support the recent Black Lives Matter movement. No matter how powerless you feel, there is always a way to help. Check out https://blacklivesmatters.carrd.co/ for ways to support the movement.
Just remember, all lives can't matter until black lives matter, no justice no peace, silence is betrayal, and black lives do matter.
