Black Lives Matter Activism Must Be Met With The Same Respect As March For Our Lives | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Politics

Black Lives Matter Activism Must Be Met With The Same Respect As March For Our Lives

Where were the hundreds of thousands of March For Our Lives supporters back in 2012 when Michael Brown was murdered?

125
Black Lives Matter Activism Must Be Met With The Same Respect As March For Our Lives
Johnny Silvercloud

This past weekend, I attended the March For Our Lives that was being held in my city. Even though I desperately wanted to attend the one in Washington D.C., witnessing the march in Milwaukee was still a memorable moment that will stay with me forever.

However, there is an elephant in the room that must be addressed regarding this new surge in political activism. While I am indubitably proud of how rapidly the Parkland students have united the youth across America for gun reform, we still need to admit the hypocrisy of it.

Where were the hundreds of thousands of March For Our Lives supporters back in 2012 when Michael Brown was murdered by Darren Wilson? Where were they when Dontre Hamilton was shot down by a policeman right in Red Arrow Park, exactly where the Milwaukee March For Our Lives rally was held?

Black people were met with tear gas and SWAT teams when they advocated for their own lives, while those taking part in the March For Our Lives are greeted with concerts by Ariana Grande and Lin Manuel Miranda. Why is there such a huge surge in activism once white people finally decide to stand up and address the issues plaguing our nation?

Now, let me be clear: I am not trying to divide these movements. In fact, I am advocating for Black Lives Matter and March For Our Lives to come together to create an even greater impact on gun violence.

The March For Our Lives should truly mean ALL of our lives, and if doesn't include everyone, then there's really no point in it.

During this past weekend, one video that kept resurfacing on Twitter caught my eye. Trevon Bosley, a speaker at the D.C. march on Saturday, lives in Chicago, a city plagued with gun violence every single day.

With a photo of his brother, Terrell, who was shot and killed in 2006, Trevon reminded marchers that he lives in a city where 5, 850 civilians have been killed since 2006.

Too many times, people arguing against gun control always scream the same three words: "What about Chicago?!" Well, Trevon gave you your answer. They're struggling too and they need our help just as much as the kids of Parkland, concertgoers in Las Vegas, or kindergartners in Connecticut.

Gun reform should not only be brought up when mainly white people die. The gun violence issue should not just be addressed when a white, mentally ill "lone wolf" initiates his attack. Police have been committing unnecessary gun violence towards black people for as long as I can remember. They must be held accountable, too.

Just today, as I'm writing this article, I have received a notification on my computer that the police officers who murdered Alton Sterling will not be charged. Will the March For Our Lives supporters rally for Alton? Or now that they've done their one good deed, will they continue to ignore the black people in this country living in fear for their lives?

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Student Life

The 5 Phases Of Finals

May the odds be ever in your favor.

836
Does anybody know how to study
Gurl.com

It’s here; that time of year when college students turn into preschoolers again. We cry for our mothers, eat everything in sight, and whine when we don’t get our way. It’s finals, the dreaded time of the semester when we all realize we should have been paying attention in class instead of literally doing anything else but that. Everyone has to take them, and yes, unfortunately, they are inevitable. But just because they are here and inevitable does not mean they’re peaches and cream and full of rainbows. Surviving them is a must, and the following five phases are a reality for all majors from business to art, nursing to history.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

How To Prepare For The Library: Finals Edition

10 ways to prepare for finals week—beginning with getting to the library.

2399
How To Prepare For The Library: Finals Edition
Photo by Clay Banks on Unsplash

It’s that time of year again when college students live at the library all week, cramming for tests that they should have started studying for last month. Preparing to spend all day at the library takes much consideration and planning. Use these tips to help get you through the week while spending an excessive amount of time in a building that no one wants to be in.

Keep Reading...Show less
girl roommates
StableDiffusion

Where do we begin when we start talking about our roommates? You practically spend every moment with them, they become your second family and they deal with you at your best and at your absolute worst. They are there to make you laugh just a little harder, cry a little less and make each day a little better. We often forget to thank them for the little things that they do to make college even a tiny bit easier and more fun. This list of 26 things are what you should thank your roommates for right this minute and every day that you live with them.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

20 Thoughts While Studying For Finals

I may or may not be stressing right now.

2650
Thoughts While Studying For Finals
StableDiffusion


That time of the semester has arrived once again, finals. The worst week ever. Who thought it was a good idea for all your classes to have exams all in the same week? Definitely not me. Here's 20 thoughts you may have studying for finals.

Keep Reading...Show less
Entertainment

Disney magic for New Year!

The "Happiest Place on Earth" has a lot of characters with some pretty great advice.

7360
Disney magic kingdom castle on new years
StableDiffusion

Disney movies are well known and very popular in today's world. Although many people appreciate the plot and the storyline, not many people appreciate the wisdom these characters possess. Every Disney movie has unique advice that can be applied to everyday life. Here are 11 Disney quotes to help start your New Year off right:

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments