Post 3: The First Amendment

  Black Lives Matter: Is it Political?

On February 26, 2012, 17-year-old Trayvon Martin walked into a 7-Eleven in Sanford, Florida wearing a dark gray sweatshirt with a hood over his head. He bought a bag of Skittles and Arizona tea and walked out. Although this is a seemingly innocent thing to do, it is apparently unlawful for a young black male to buy a snack from a convenience store. While walking back home, the neighborhood watch volunteer, George Zimmerman, noticed Martin and decided to call 911 to report his "suspicious" behavior. Zimmerman is instructed to not approach Martin, however, he does so anyway. Out of "self-defense," Zimmerman chooses to shoot and kill Martin. 

As a response to this tragedy, the Black Lives Matter movement was founded, whose mission is to "eradicate white supremacy and build local power to intervene in violence inflicted on Black communities by the state and vigilantes." 

As more innocent Black lives are being taken, the Black Lives Matter movement has been growing. The growth of the movement has also lead to a growth of backlash, as people make the false accusation that it is a hate group. 

Under the First Amendment to the United States Constitution, freedom of speech and the freedom of expression is guaranteed to all citizens. This means that movements, such as the Black Lives Matter movement is protected under the First Amendment. 

Although protests organized by the Black Lives Matter movement have the reputation of being violent, the Armed Conflict Location & Event Data Project (ACLED) analyzed more than 7,000 demonstrations between May 26 and August 22, 2020 after the murder of George Floyd. Of course, the 7% of protests that have induced violence are not protected. 

Nevertheless, it is important to hear and listen to the Black Lives Matter movement. Even if you have a different opinion, it is necessary to listen to others in order to help end discrimination in both the U.S. and the world as a whole.