In the wake of a new social uprising, black America looks for answers in response to social injustices done to them. Michael Brown, Eric Garner, Alton Sterling, Philando Castille; all names that are known across America, all names that were killed in the hands of law enforcement, all names that fuel the Black Lives Matter movement.
Trayvon Martin was shot and killed on February 26th, 2012 by George Zimmerman. In trial, Zimmerman was found not guilty under self defense and prompted the social revolution to begin with a simple hashtag #BlackLivesMatter. From that point on, discrimination against blacks became a mainstream topic even to this day, as the Black Lives Matter movement protests against it. Along with the protests comes with backlash from others with opposing viewpoints. Republican Presidential nominee Donald Trump stands firm with his belief that “Black Lives Matter has helped instigate police killings.”
He believes that the Black Lives Matter movement is the cause of the police brutality, and does not support the movement whatsoever. President Barack Obama on the other hand, fully supports the movement for its cause to bring social justice back in order. Believing so, American police has criticized Obama for his support.
In 2015, Campaign Zero was initiated in order to suggest possible reforms to end police brutality, with some of the few being: a stricter guideline for the use of force, ending broken window policing, and increasing community protection by local police. Campaign
Zero is one of the biggest attempts of reform regarding police brutality, and is supported by Black Lives Matter, as it is aimed to restore justice and bring justice to those who are acquitted. This campaign comes in response to the death of Eric Garner.
Garner was killed in the hands of Daniel Pantaleo, a NYPD officer, by being choked to death for suspicion of selling individual cigarettes. In the video taped by a civilian, Garner was clearly heard saying “I can’t breath” while Pantaleo continued to choke him to his death, and on December 3rd, 2014, Pantaleo was found not guilty to any charges. In response to the verdict, former US President George W. Bush said he found the verdict “hard to understand” and “very sad.” Professional athletes, most notably, NBA stars Lebron James and Kobe Bryant, held silent protests by wearing pre-game warmup shirts with the quote “I can’t breath” on it.
The Black Lives Matter movement to this day put in countless efforts to bring social justice and reforms against police brutality. Going through backlash, and negative criticism, the movement is adamant with their beliefs in order to provide a future where a black child doesn’t have to fear for their life around police, a future where a black man can do all the things of a white man and be brought equal justice, a future where a name doesn’t end up as a hashtag.

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