I hate that we need the hashtag #blacklivesmatter.
I hate it because the entire concept feels totally fucked up. It should NEVER have been needed, not hundreds of years ago and most certainly not in 2020. Two thousand and twenty – a time where you’d think that the disgusting legacy of those who were stupid enough to believe the amount of pigment in someone’s skin made them lesser in any way, would be long gone.
Black lives should matter. Equally. Sadly, it’s not only history, but this very moment in time we’re living in that seems to be saying otherwise.
The truth is, we all live in a space where racism and prejudice exist – and acknowledging it feels heavy, scary and incredibly sad.
Communities are banding together in protest of the horrific police brutality against people of colour all around the world, but the spotlight is definitely on the US at the moment following the murder of George Floyd and of course, the many black men and women who came before him.
There has been footage shown from the grounds of some of the most intense protests the world has ever seen this week but sadly, news outlets are selecting much of the most damaging moments to share with audiences across the globe.
If you look a little deeper, you’ll see there’s been so many beautiful moments of peaceful, inspiring protest, which is exactly what we want to share with you… because it doesn’t just highlight the beauty of humanity, but the hope that goes along with it.
Genesee County Sheriff (Flint, Michigan) Chris Swanson put down his helmet and baton and asked protesters how he could help.
The protesters chanted “walk with us” so the Sheriff joined — and walked alongside the protesters in solidarity.
Leadership.🌎❤️ pic.twitter.com/Vs3941C2o8
— Rex Chapman🏇🏼 (@RexChapman) May 31, 2020
Put this on the news. pic.twitter.com/YfXB2x6bcz
— Frosty (@FrostyTheSkid) May 30, 2020
Peaceful protests in Canton, Ohio breaks into song. What a beautiful thing this is to see. #unity pic.twitter.com/9T8KUmHl8a
— 𝕁𝕒𝕜𝕖🗯 (@Jake_Friel) May 30, 2020
Incredible scene at Colorado’s Capitol right now. Thousands of protesters are lying face down with their hands behind their backs chanting “I can’t breathe.” They’re doing this for 9 mins. #copolitics #denverprotest #GeorgeFloyd pic.twitter.com/PaABvp8ZoM
— Colorado Times Recorder (@COTimesRecorder) May 30, 2020
Here’s something we all could use: an act of warmth and shared humanity. ❤️ #PlayOfTheDay pic.twitter.com/IOJyHztsqO
— Good Morning America (@GMA) June 1, 2020
People seem determined to share only violent images tonight.
Please make sure that the massive peaceful protests like this one in Chicago get just as much attention.#BLACK_LIVES_MATTER
— Joshua Potash (@JoshuaPotash) May 31, 2020
This was beautiful … absolutely beautiful
This thing went sideways once the cops tried to stop the march from getting into Beverly Hills going west of Fairfax and 3rd pic.twitter.com/6Y2gl4tcLW
— Harrison Sanford (@HarrisonSanford) May 30, 2020
Some protestors in Brooklyn calling to loot the Target, but organizers are rushing in front of the store to stop them, keep things non-violent #nycprotest pic.twitter.com/6x70cpcjep
— Andrew Solender (@AndrewSolender) May 31, 2020
This is how Chicago does it pic.twitter.com/a6n7cUMPW0
— Bike Lane Uprising (@bikelaneuprise) May 30, 2020
And for a bit of perspective for those who still can’t understand or recognise their white privilege, please read this incredible Instagram post below. Original author is unknown…
