Black Lives Matter ✊🏾✊🏿✊🏽 Is violence the answer ?
I’m going to be brutally honest with you. I am TIRED and drained. I’m not ashamed to say that I cried the other day because everything right now is A LOT. I’m human, we’re human and this behaviour should never be normalised.
Art Credit: @sacree_frangine on Instagram.
I try not to be THAT person alllll the time but how can I not speak up, especially at a time like this? Whether it’s informing people on what’s happening around the world or waking them up to the things on their doorstep, I’m committed to educating people (and open to further education myself) because it is evident that further education is required. We’re angry, we’re tired and we’re fed up of history repeating itself and we need to find better solutions to the problems we face. I’m of course talking about the BLACK LIVES MATTER movement.
Now, I’m going to try and be polite when I say this, but for the culturally ignorant or those who have never heard of the movement or what it stands for, I’ll break it down this ONE time. The movement was formed in 2013 after countless murders of innocent black lives. It is a global organisation that seeks to get justice and equality for black people. If you wish to educate yourself further or learn more about it, please click here.
Many people hear “Black Lives Matter” (BLM) and assume it means that other lives don’t - thus the phrase “All lives Matter” was coined. Let me tell you why this is ignorant and insensitive. When we say BLM, it doesn’t mean that all lives don’t matter, but, the black community is unfairly targeted and fear about doing day-to-day activities because they are literally killed for no reason other than for the colour of their skin.
Let me break it down further for the simple-minded… If you were in a group and were hiking on a mountain but someone fell off the side and was hanging off the edge would you be angry at the instructors for going over to rescue that individual whilst they left you to wait somewhere safe? No. Because you can recognise that although you are all in a dangerous situation, THAT INDIVIDUAL needs help THEN. You’re safe and so is everyone else, but that person needs help. It doesn’t mean that your life doesn’t matter, but at that moment, that person’s life is at risk, and intervention is necessary. That’s what the BLM movement is about because from the actions, it’s clear that not all lives matter.
To all you “all lives matter” merchants, I ask you this: why you are not equally as disgusted and fighting the cause? Because if all lives matter and the death of black lives isn’t aligning with that narrative, why are you not fighting until ALL lives matter? Oh?
Use sense. Please! All lives can’t matter until black lives matter. Period.
We’re angry, we’re tired and we’re fed up of history repeating itself and we need to find better solutions to the problems we face.
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I shouldn’t have to explain all that, yet here we are trying to drill in a simple message each and every time. No-one is asking for anything other than to be treated equally but still, there are individuals who refuse to listen or process what is being said. But is it really a lack of education when it’s the same topic over and over and over again? When the internet is free and there are millions of resources at your fingertips, how can we excuse blatant ignorance and racism down to a lack of being informed? It’s time we started pulling people up on their BS and call them out for what they are. Racist and ignorant. It’s sad to see the same story unfold time and time again but something hasn’t been working… clearly.
At a time where the world is experiencing a GLOBAL PANDEMIC, this has still managed to become overshadowed by racism and police brutality. Can you imagine that Covid-19 - the airborne disease that has consumed our lives the last few months - has put the world on lockdown and caused thousands and thousands of deaths (and continues to claim lives daily - God rest their souls) but somehow, the lives of innocent black people continue to be taken at an alarming rate!? Do you realise how bad things need to be for people to protest during a pandemic?
In the last week alone, George Floyd, Tony McDade, and Jamee Johnson were killed in America following the deaths of Breonna Taylor, Sean Reed, Ahmad Arbery in the last few months. At a time when the world needs healing, it’s heartbreaking to see it regressing in many aspects. Racism and brutality continue to dominate amongst an epidemic. There is no break. Black people continue to suffer for their existence in the 21st century. Make it make sense!
“If you are neutral in situations of injustice, you have chosen the side of the oppressor” - Desmond Tutu
Why are there riots in America?
Police brutality and innocent killings aren’t new. We know that. Slavery existed. We know that. But somehow, we haven’t really changed much in the way society views black people. A few years ago, black people started filming the brutality as a protection for themselves and others. Since the system didn’t protect and without evidence, there is no case, people started to film in order to prevent further killings and as evidence. I really thought this would deter people from acting on their racist mentalities, but no. Sadly with evidence, there still aren’t consequences, there still isn’t change and there rarely is justice. You only need to look at George Floyd’s killing live-streamed last Monday to see that no matter how much evidence you have, the system will try to dismiss the lives of black innocent people.
Eight minutes and forty-six seconds.
That’s how long it took Derek Chauvin to kill George Floyd as he placed his knee firmly on his neck until he lost consciousness and subsequently died. Guess what though? The initial post-mortem stated that he died through his own underlying health issues and * possible * drug use and not that of strangulation. Despite actual footage contradicting this and many accounts, the system tried to clear up the injustices that caused George’s death.
It took the family to organise a private medical examiner to conduct another post-mortem only to conclude yesterday, that George’s death was a homicide and he died of asphyxiation. It was also ruled that he had no underlying health issues that could have contributed to his death. The very sad fact in all of this is that had it not been filmed and gone viral, George’s death would have been recorded as something else and there would have been no consequences.
A man was happy to be recorded with his knee on the neck of an innocent person because history has shown that there are no consequences for the murderers behind the badge. With 17 misconduct complaints against him over his 18+ year career in the Minneapolis police department and no consequences, there is no surprise this time didn’t phase him. When a black person is involved, there is often no repercussions. This time was different. There was no blind-sighting the world and every next step is being closely monitored.
This was the fasted turnover of an arrest for an offence of this type due to the pressure of the world. Chauvin is the first white officer in Minnesota to be criminally prosecuted with the death of a black civilian. When charged (and I hope he feels the full force of the law), this will become a pivotal point for change.
Since the day of his murder, people have been protesting and the protesting has turned into riots. In England, protesting has also started (without riots) to support their US counterparts and to remember those who have suffered here too. Although not everyone agrees with the rioting and the violence it brings, many companies (who have had stores ruined or burned) have shown support stating that these things can be replaced, though lives cannot.
Although this is true, there is obvious criticism about whether this is the correct way to go about it. Riots often cause more damage and escalate the problem. It is easy for the message of Black Lives Matter to lose its traction as the coverage of riots then takes over.
There is a slight division amongst those supporting on what does work. Whilst many vocally stand up and others donate and peaceful protest, many feel like nothing will change unless physical damage is caused. That’s the only way people will listen. That’s the only way for change. This video filmed last week embodies the pain shared by many black individuals. I urge you all to watch the 2-minute clip. The clip resonated with me and shook me to the core. There has not been one time I haven’t watched it and reacted.
If the link doesn’t work, Watch here.
What makes this different from last time?
After years of peaceful protesting, Americans feel as though nothing will change unless fire is fought with fire. George’s death was the tip of the iceberg for many, and with extra time during lockdown and more built-up anger, people are not going to sit back and watch any more.
How much longer can you turn the other cheek? How much hate needs to be endured? For how long can you be the bigger person? This is not just about the US. This is happening all over the world and HAS been happening for decades. Don’t think the UK is squeaky clean either. Grenfell, the wind rush scandal, cultural appropriation, media representations, lack of history taught in schools, gentrification…
Racism is embedded in the culture but it’s subtle and covert. Ask any black person about the microaggressions they have experienced and you’ll find that every single person has experienced the same thing…
The sly comments that are so subtle you start to question whether you’re just overreacting and deliberating whether it was an indirect or not. The subtle behaviour change towards you in the workplace or during interviews, the comments of your hairstyle, the racially prejudice regulations imposed in schools and in the workforce, the “black chat” you’re given by parents (and soon have to give too) about working 10 x harder to be noticed. The splitting up of groups because there are too many black people in one place and it comes across as “intimidating”, the rejection at the door of clubs because the ‘quota has been reached’ even though you see many white people entering after with no issues. The touching of your natural hair unprovoked by strangers followed by comments about it “not feeling like straw” and being “surprisingly soft” ??? The unwarranted sexual attention at a young age because of your larger hips and other features. The racist comments, the spitting in your face, the disgusted look people give you up and down, the comments about being the “angry black woman”, the token black person in a room full of everything you’re not… the other.
* And Breathe *
“Racism in the UK is being pulled over for driving a car that seems too expensive for a black man to afford without a life of crime” - @TA18th
I could go on but this is just a list from the top of my head that I’ve personally experienced. Every single thing I’ve listed is from my own experience. There are people who experience far more and all we do is brush it off and keep it moving. We shouldn’t have to accommodate for other’s racism. We should stand tall. Institutional racism is woven into the cloth of society through healthcare, education, politics, sport, and more but it’s time for everyone else on the other side to see it too without us feeling like we’re doing too much.
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This time I’m seeing a lot of white people fighting. I don’t know if the fact that COVID-19 had got us all at home and people have more time and energy or if the recent COVID deaths have evoked more empathy but this time there are more people showing solidarity. This is warming, although there is a lot of performative action and still many people are showing their true colours.
As much as I’d love to believe that everyone is genuinely standing together, it is interesting to see who is piping up now and HOW they are approaching the situation… and my eyebrows are raised. Many are doing it for brand protection or to prevent themselves from being called out and it’s really shallow and surface-level anger. Some are fake angry and are using this time as an excuse to loot and act out personal looting fantasies. Believe I saw videos of people dressed up in the Joker costume. Another interesting thing I’ve observed is the number of white people looting and “protesting”.
I’m not saying all of them are disingenuous. I know many people who are genuinely standing for change and it is great to see them using their voice and standing strong. I’ve had people message me and others to ask how they can educate themselves and how to approach situations. I’ve had lengthy conversations with people who want to learn and better themselves so that they can re-learn appropriate behaviour and educate their family too. On the other hand, there have been many influencers and brands who have otherwise not stood up and have blocked black creatives who seem to be doing a U-turn on their stance in public.
If this is genuine and not performative, I hope they are actively trying to encourage courses, talks, and education moving forward from black individuals in the field. For the corporations who have plenty of disposable income, I hope they put their money where their mouth is. This is not a post to say who can and cannot be posting or changing, but we don’t need any wolfs in sheep clothing so please spare the theatrics if the shoe fits because we are noting and watching and we don’t forget. Save yourself the embarrassment.
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What about Africa and developing countries?
I know everyone is angry and a lot of the things we see are happening in the States but please please please don’t forget what is happening to our black brothers and sisters all over the world, especially in Africa and the developing countries where there is less support, protection, and resources. I know for a fact that in my motherland (Kenya), there are issues that need desperate addressing. In late April, VICE News reported that Kenya was leading the world with deaths caused by police brutality since the start of the pandemic. Just because it isn’t on your screens please don’t think it isn’t happening. Yassin Moyo, Khamis Juma, Calvince Omondi, David Kiiri, Peter Gcheru, Eric Ngethe, Idris Mukolwe Ramadhan Juma, John Muli, Ibrahim Onyano and many more, may you rest in peace.
Now is not the time to forget those back home. The brutality, bloodshed, and death have been going on for decades and there is little to protect. Only last year I wrote #WeStandInSolidarity about injustices in Africa and around the world. It was the same message. Another hashtag, another killing, more injustice. The world got together to fight and we need the fight again tenfold.
With corrupt systems, lack of media coverage, they are literally being slaughtered in masses and the word is not witnessing. They have no voice. Death cannot be replaced but sadly when poverty is present, sometimes life comes with a price tag and a means to pocket money. We need to do better. We need to open our eyes. We need to help those close to us first to start the change.
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Is violence the answer?
Violence is just another way for them to tarnish your name but sadly no-one listens when you play nice. Being the bigger person doesn’t gain change and the peaceful protests still end in chaos. There is no change. When recording no longer evokes change or fear and you've marched and marched just to wake up to another death, what else can you do? If the people in power haven’t got you in their favour and the people who are supposed to protect you, hate you, then what?
Who protects the black innocent? Who fights the battles? You can't do the same thing and expect different results so something needs to change. You’ll protest peacefully for a few days and then give up. You’ll tell yourself that nothing changes and people lose momentum. People move on too quickly, you conform again until another death and then another… until you’ve lost all fight in you until another day when it hits close to home.
Maybe getting attention elsewhere will change things? Maybe taking a greater stand will spark movement. Laws need to be changed, accountability needs to be taken and examples need to be made. The arrest of Derek Chauvin is the start. The start that this is not acceptable and cannot continue. But could you be doing more harm than good?
Rubber bullets being used by police in the states. They’re not as small as you’d think!
As people have started to retaliate, the police force has been increasing their response and rubber bullets have been used. These have been aimed (wrongly) at the eyes which has caused it to rupture and people are fighting to keep their sight as a result. Not only this, but The US president Trump made an announcement last night as the riots continued:
"I am mobilizing all available federal resources, civilian and military, to stop the rioting and looting, to end the destruction and arson. And to protect the rights of law-abiding Americans, including your Second Amendment rights." - President Trump
Do you understand how mad this statement is? He called on civilian and military to intervene. This means that anyone (anti-black and racist) can come with as much force as desired to prevent the fight for equal rights AND they will have the right to bear arms. Madness.
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Furthermore, undercover police have been caught instigating riots and paying people to encourage violence. Piles of bricks have been strategically placed all over the city outside buildings to lure individuals who are already angry to fall for the trap. If used, this would give police an opportunity to use reasonable force and cause further harm. This enabling is dangerous and many have clocked and are not falling for this but these dirty tactics highlight the issues at the core of the system that is more often than not, corrupt. Black people cannot thrive in a chaotic society and more practical action needs to be taken. More thought needs to be given when approaching ways to fight back and take a stand because there are a lot of people waiting on a downfall.
Black people need protection more than ever and those thinking they are above the law need to be brought to justice. People need to speak up and the support needs to be in masses. The issue is that many are conflicted and so you have a half-hearted fight or a fight with reduced support. Everyone needs to be on the same page if any change is to happen. That goes for any approach.
The problem with riots is that typically, more harm is done. People also lose lives, livelihoods, communities. More often than not the movement is flipped on its head and the riots become more about looting than justice. People with no intentions or passion chip off the back and instigate trouble and the movement is tarnished. But maybe we’re just giving up too soon? In the past riots haven’t lasted for long and things are controlled in a day or two. If we look to history we will see that after Martin Luther King Jr’s assassination, 110 civilians rioted nationwide for 6 days. The result was an update of the Civil Rights Act in 1968.
So maybe violence could be the answer? Though with so many more resources and access to more dangerous devices, I’m not sure how wise it is. Already I’ve seen that a woman lost her unborn child during the riots when an officer shot a rubber bullet at her stomach. Disgusting and saddening.
Protesting and rioting is definitely a privilege. We see people protesting about lockdown rules and not being able to go to sporting events or do their beauty regimes… even using violence only a few weeks ago with little to no consequence but the minute there is a genuine protest for a genuine cause there is an issue and lockdown rules are back to being strict. In fact, you now have governments allowing more violence to try and stop something innocent and the whole thing popped off in the first place because three people were not seeing consequences from the start! Excuse my language but I say this with my chest… Fuck that.
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So do peaceful protests work?
Well, there doesn’t seem to be much change and after a while, even peaceful protests turn violent. There is always a group of people who take it too far and are usually not connected with the movement. But how about boycotting? This seems to be a good alternative as it’s usually peaceful but hits the oppressors financially (and we all know everyone hates losing money). I guess in a world of cancel culture, this is a step we can defiantly lean towards. As we’ve seen this week, many brands have been pressurised to change due to the threat of cancel culture and boycotting and some influencers too.
As a result, they have had to look at their behaviour and approach and change things significantly. We’re not that easily impressed though, so now, whether they like it or not, ACTUAL change will have to be done. The internet can be a brilliant place but it can also be a very dark place if you’re in the wrong and it isn’t very forgiving either. I know many do not wish to be on the receiving end of that stick so will do anything to avoid bad press. There are so many “tweets aren’t loading right now” and apology statements... interesting. Whether you believe in it or not, it’s good to see that people are becoming accountable, or at the very least, are becoming more conscious of their words and actions.
There is evidence that this could work too: When Rosa Parks was arrested for not giving up her seat on the bus, black people walked and carpooled for a total of 381 days until government intervention due to financial impact on bus companies. The question then is how far are you willing to go to fight a cause peacefully? Can you stop buying from your favourite brand when their views don’t align with the value of your life? Are you able to speak up when you are alone? Would you be willing to give up some luxuries for the benefit of the people? Are you able to put your privilege to good use? These are the questions you need to ask yourself before moving forward.
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5 things you can do to help.
I understand that everyone has their own circumstances and reasons not to stand physically but this doesn’t mean you cannot do your bit…
1: If you are not able to physically show up you can use your voice to speak up. Use your platform - little or large - and be vocal, share information, and pull people up where possible and redirect them to resources that will help them learn.
2: Stand up when you see injustice so that it cannot continue. Support those in need when they need it.
3: Speak up where you can and be present. Don’t just walk away because your privilege allows you to.
4: If you’re in London and you’re able, peaceful protests are happening this week (if you are elsewhere, please check what is happening in your area/ country).
5: Sign petitions, read useful content, listen to podcasts, research on the history, speak up in your workplace, check up on your black friends and family, VOTE the people who want to change and don’t forget to have a say in the prosecutors that are elected. People often forget they can so the voting is left to those who know - usually those who don’t have your best interest at heart. All of these things are FREE and we are the generation with a backbone to speak up.
There are loads of things available with a quick google or media search, however, there are google docs available that have all the resources (or a lot of them) in one place.
First start with this: https://linktr.ee/iiuri it has a whole heap of resources, petitions, documents, and other useful things in one place including books and reading lists!
US Local and national bail / legal funds to support: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1p2Di8ts07n0jZ2BDhD0_S8UMHLikX16p0qvj20cnkkg/mobilebasic
UK Black Racial Justice and Community Orgs & Networks:
https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/u/0/d/1mZu6UAxnanWUMHGz3m6zgsFSEQE3IXG8AfuGxV_PuTM/htmlview
Colour of change organisation: https://colorofchange.org/campaigns/active/
Children’s books that discuss race and racism (twitter thread by @antisocialbritt)
There are loads of podcasts, books, songs etc that you can go to. There is no excuse not to better yourself and those around you. If you have any resources, links, ideas or, want to start a progressive conversation, please do not hesitate to comment below and reach out where possible. Lastly, I want to remember those who we couldn’t save. Let us remember:
In the UK: Mark Duggan, Darren Cumberbatch, Edson da Costa, Adrian Mcdonald, Nunu Cardoso, Olaseni Lewis, Sean Rigg, Daniel Adewole, Trevor Smith, Julian Cole, Sarah Reed, Jermaine Baker, Sheku Bayoh, Kevin Clarke, Leon Briggs, Anthony Grainger, Kingsley Burrell, Belly Mujinga, Jacob Michael, Mzee Mohammed Daley, Derek Bennett, Azelle Rodney, Kelso Cochrane and many more. Rest in power.
In the US: Breonna Taylor, George Floyd, Ahmad Arbery, Tony, McDade, Trayvon Martin, Akai Gurley, Terence Crutcher, Tamir Rice, Mike Brown, Freddie Gray, Philando Castille, Alton Sterling, Rekia Boyd, Antonio Martin, Walter Scott, Aiyana Jones, Sandra Bland, Christian Cooper and many more. Rest in power.
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Let’s not scream today and forget tomorrow. That’s all I ask. If you’re screaming for change today, make sure you follow it up with action. Open your wallets, protest, inform yourself, read, listen, watch, speak up, change, challenge, implement, help, hire, and do better on an individual level. In a world where everyone is equal, let’s make it visible. Let us learn from the mistakes of the generations before us and come to a better solution. Solidarity is great, action is better. Let’s stand together for Black Lives Matter.
If you got to the end of this I appreciate you dearly! I know this one was lengthy but I had a lot to say and a lot of information to give. This week has made it hard for me to focus so even writing this was a challenge. You reading it all means a lot. Please continue to spread the knowledge and spread this post far and wide. Let’s make a change.
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Liz x