#BlackLivesMatter

The Black Lives Matter movement is an organization led by people of color hoping to promote equality and justice. The movement began after a number of black men were either injured or killed due to police brutality. In the documentary "Stay Woke", they focused on the homicides of Michael Brown and Trayvon Martin. Also discussed was the first video evidence for the movement, showing Eric Garner being wrestled to the ground by police. With George Zimmerman being found not guilty and Officer Darren Wilson not being indicted, the movement expanded more and more. Police started pulling out weapons on women and children, including the use of tanks and tear gas. This pushed the movement further and further. People were filled with anger and hate, which caused many riots and looting of local businesses. These riots were started by young people. The space was created by young people. The young activists were the ones in the streets; the ones getting tear gased. They didn't want the older civil rights activists taking over what they had created.

While writing this, I feel like I found it challenging to find the right words to use when talking to a young person about this movement. This is a very touchy subject in society and I don't know how I would discuss this with a young person. So one important question that I have is how do others feel they would address this issue with young people if it arose? Would you discuss it differently if a young person of color approached you rather than a white young person? I think trying to find the right language and simplifying it was the hardest part for me.