De’Vondre Perry
October 25, 2020
Abstract proposal
MSP 2421
Black Lives Matter Movement
Black Lives Matter (BLM) is defined as a decentralized political and social movement advocating for non-violent civil disobedience in protest against incidents of police brutality and all racially motivated violence against black people. My topic will cover the history of the Black Lives Matter movement and how the movement has impacted the world in multiple ways. I will be touching on the different incidents and how they evolved through social media. Black lives matter impacted workplaces and schools and I’ll be speaking on the demands of the Black Lives Matter and what they are fighting for. This topic of Black Lives Matter is important to me because growing up as a Black male I was forced to be more precaution when doing certain things such as driving and walking at night. There have been plenty of times when I feel like I was born at a disadvantage because of the color of my skin, which makes this a very sensitive topic but means a lot to me.
I feel like this is also important to me because me being an Athlete people think I shouldn’t have an opinion on these types of racial injustice situations, which brings a sense of anger to my heart because I am more than an athlete and I am a black male before anything. I feel that the Black Lives Matter Movement has given me a platform to use my voice and my position as an athlete on a major scale at a predominantly white institution to bring about change and awareness. When choosing a topic this was a no-brainer for me with all that has been going on in the world today, from the George Floyd and Breonna Taylor case to the election and political standpoint. This movement gained big attention when it first started but as of recent, the attention has elevated even more.
The book ‘(A User’s guide to the) Black Lives Matter Movement’ focuses on the Black Lives Matter Movement and its philosophy, ideologies, practices, foundations, and other underpinnings. For many people who desire to join the Black Lives Matter Movement, they may not be well informed on what the Black Lives Matter movement stands for and how it works to impact the lives of black people everywhere. One cannot understand the Black Lives Matter Movement without a proper investigation of its history and how it ended up being what it is today. The book gives direct commentary on the events that led to the formation of the movement and how the first policies were enacted. Additionally, certain historical events have been crucial to the development and approachability of all people who wish to participate. The historical incidences include protests that happened in Baltimore and Ferguson which highlighted the police brutality and the injustice faced by the black man. Additionally, the book also explains the codes and regulations which members of the Black Lives Movement follow.
This book is divided into several categories and each one of them is significant to the reader. The first chapters give an outline of what the Black Lives Matter Movement is about and an introduction of what is to be expected. Slowly, the book progresses from a historical approach to the present-day conditions and predicaments. Furthermore, since black people are in all walks of life and face different conditions, they will be subjected to various predicaments. Therefore, this book also gives the viewpoints of black people in different eras and different circumstances. I will give an outline of the most important sections in the book and its impact on black people.
The first chapter entails an introduction to the Black Lives Matter Movement and common practices or regulations. The book proceeds to discuss some background information on what black people have been facing since the days of slavery. Discrepancies that often arise when comparing how black people and white people are treated are also highlighted. A good example is the case of segregation and police brutality towards black people. The book then explains the levels of hierarchy in the movement and how the organization is run to maintain its existence.
As this book was written during the former president Donald Trump’s regime, the author also highlights how different things were under his administration. Among the major talking points in this chapter are the policies and decisions made during his tenure and how they affected black people. Another issue is the concerning trend showing a resurgence of Nazi-Fascist believes especially after Trump’s election. The fact that these people conveyed their opinions openly and to the public shows that they are growing in number and looking to recruit new members. Thus, the organization aims to alert its members of the possible risks involved and problems they may incur. These groups act as direct adversaries of the Black Lives Matter Movement as they seek the demise and destruction of all black people. Thus, all members of the organization need to be fully aware of these threats.
People whose sexuality does not conform to societal limits and who are also black are likely to face more trouble than others. These queer black people are often harassed and mistreated because of their skin color and sexual preferences. Thus, there is a subdivision under the Black Lives Movement that specifically deals with how people in the LGBT dimensions who are also black can have their needs safeguarded. Additionally, the association also has a subdivision that focuses on religion and its impact on black people in general. Faith and activism often interconnect with the wishes and desires of the group. Additionally, with the rise of technology and the internet, certain artists and creatives have managed to spread awareness through art. Via paintings, movies, documentaries, music, and poetry, these artists have managed to spread specific messages. Messages that are related to the Black Lives Matter Movement or are speaking on similar issues have been included in the book.
The education system has also been accused of showing favoritism and ignoring critical events that are relevant to students. Therefore, the text focuses on ways people can be educated on BLM issues and how to assist the organization. This way it is possible to teach people specific ideologies and past incidences which help shape how the group runs today. Moreover, the Black Livers Matter Movement is an international organization and thus they wish to tackle issues in all countries where people face racial injustices and prejudice. Finally, the text discusses organizations that are associated with the Black Lives Matter Movement and how to partner and collaborate with them to achieve common goals.
In terms of popular culture, the Black Lives Matter Movement has attained astronomical attention from both the entertainers and audience. Thanks to technology, many unknown and hidden incidence involving racial prejudice and abuse have been documented or recorded and posted on the internet. A great example is the murder of George Floyd which was recorded on a smartphone and posted on many internet sites and social media giants. Quickly, this video went viral and received coverage from most countries. Several people were outraged by the actions of the police officers and this led to riots and protests in several cities across the United States.
The text also discusses injustices black people have been facing since time immemorial. Before slavery was abolished, many black people were directly mistreated and harmed but nothing happened to the perpetrators. This is due to the justice department’s bias and racist intentions. Black people would often lose cases even if there is substantial evidence supporting their case. This highlights the prevalence of systematic racism in all of the United States governmental departments. This text is also relevant as even today, we see that police who commit racist acts walk scot-free even after committing murder. However, due to public pressure and demand, the police who killed George Floyd were charged and are awaiting the court cases.
In terms of the influence of the Black Lives Movement in the sports sector, it is now widespread and affects nearly all major sports. After the killing of George Floyd, many protests happened in several cities across the country. Since many athletes gave large fan bases on social media pages, they are often considered as people with large audiences and outreach, these athletes often participate in media events and interviews where they air their opinions on several occurrences and how they feel about them. Thus, they have a chance to help spread awareness and prevent the occurrence of similar events in the future.
NBA players were allowed to wear socially aware statements that replaced the area where their names would appear on the jersey. Therefore, the audience could view what the players intend to spread awareness and activism. An example of a common statement written on the player’s back was ‘Say Her Name.’ It is related to the shooting and murder of Breonna Taylor in her own house. Police raided her house on the suspicion of illegal activities occurring in the house. This altercation ended in the death of Breonna Taylor, who had been sleeping in her house. Therefore, the players were insisting on the people saying her name to make people more aware of the matter. The author of the text speaks a lot about the influence awareness and education have on the masses. Therefore, the more people know about her, the more change will spread throughout the country. Soccer players still take one knee before every game to show their union and unity with the Black Lives Matter Movement.
In terms of the music industry, many people have made songs specifically addressing social and racial issues that the Black Lives Matter Movement also seeks to concentrate on. These songs usually contain lyrics that highlight the plight of the black man in the United States. Other than that, many songs usually have videos which can also be a source of activism and awareness. These videos usually depict what is occurring in the country and how racism is set in the American system.
Furthermore, many movies have been recorded based on the theme of racism and representing the predicament the black man faced. Many movies are set in a setting where slavery was still active and show the issues the black man went through. Even though these movies have often received criticism due to their vulgarity and violence, these movies are important as they speak on controversial issues. By pinpointing the exact problem and place of the issue, society can highlight where the problem is and possible methods of solving these issues.
Many critics have talked about the influence of this book and how useful it is to anyone who wishes to join the Black Lives Movement. People have noted that the book is unique and focuses on educating and guiding the reader to help bring change in the world. The book brought about large revenue to the author. This was possible due to the author’s precise and concise chapters and how he highlights the points. Additionally, backing up the text with substantial evidence allows the reader to make informed decisions.
In conclusion, the text is very informative and useful to people who wish to join the Black Lives Matter Movement. It is a book that guides the people on the practices the members adhere to and how to help bring change to the world. A brief explanation of the association’s history and relevant events that helped shape up the organization’s current outlook and longevity allows the user to understand what made the organza ion be what it is. Additionally, the text highlights how the black man has suffered during different regimes and their current status. The text also discusses the influence in which the Black Lives Matter Movement has had on popular culture. In the sports sector, many athletes are using their voices to bring issues to light and help prevent further racial injustices. Filmmakers are including the topic of racism in more of their movies as it is a relevant topic today. Musicians and video directors are also including this in their works.