Black Lives Matter was created in 2012 after Trayvon Martin’s murderer, George Zimmerman, was acquitted for his crime. Then later, Trayvon was placed on trial for his own murder. From the experiences of black people in this country, Black Lives Matter is a call to action and a response to the racism that permeates our society

During the past half-century, police violence against African Americans sparked two great Los Angeles riots and other instances of civil unrest. In recent years, the protests against these police killings have taken the form of movements to reform police practices and change the nature of police training as well as the composition of the police forces themselves. These movements, however, have yet to engender a nationwide call for police reform, but some police precincts have considered and even adopted body cameras and sensitivity training.  In the past year, several cities have started adding full body cameras including Ferguson, Missouri, where police shot Michael Brown, the Albuquerque Police Department for multiple shootings, and when some New York police officers used too much force during Eric Garner’s arrest.

Why are movements like Black Lives Matter needed?  One perfect example involves the unfortunate incident with Tamir Rice. A Cleveland police officer shot Tamir Rice, a 12-year-old African American boy on November 22 in a park, and he died the next day. The boy was carrying a toy airsoft gun when officer Timothy Loehmann shot him within two seconds. Tamir’s family filed a death lawsuit against the officers involved in the shooting.

BJ student Samantha Scannell commented, “Stereotypes have always been a problem, and that is what is causing all of this in the first place.”

What happens when those who decry racism discriminate themselves?  The Black Lives Matter movement has drawn criticism for discriminating themselves.

On February 27, 2015, a school assembly was organized to commemorate the conclusion of Black History Month. While many people attended, the principal did not allow whites to attend the assembly.  Just this week, an event in Boston was organized to discuss the shooting of 41-year old Angelo West; this event also did not allow the attendance of whites.

BJ student Jane Newberry says, ” If students want to attend a [Black Lives Matter] event at school, then the school should not stop them. They should be able to support what they believe is right.”

The Black Lives Matter movement is fighting for what they think is right, and so should we, but perhaps the Black Lives Matter movement should reconsider its own stance and embrace unity and not discrimination.