We are still witnessing an international movement about the experience and treatment of Black people that was sparked by the death of Geroge Floyd. As a Black person who has witnessed the generations of Black people who have been killed by the police or extrajudicial forces (slave catchers, the KKK, lynching, Trayvon Martin, and Ahmaud Arbery), I was wondering what made Floyd’s death the tipping point?
Was it the video?
Was it calling for his mother?
Was it the superiority and boldness of the officer?
All of these factors have happened before so what different this time?
I recently listened to a podcast about the same question and they noted that the combination of the increased amount of people being home, the increase of racial and inflammatory remarks by the President, and the “newfound awareness” of the disparity in the health care system (and other systems) towards Black people, made the perfect storm… the perfect storm for change. For outrage. For grief. For action. But for how long?
What was even more profound than the physical protests were the digital movements that were happening as well. As I mentioned in the previous post, numerous brands participated in acknowledging Juneteenth and now several have committed to holding each other accountable, donating profits towards causes and ways to help the community, and intentionally diversifying their organizations. But one of my favorite ways the movement has shifted is the sharing of platforms.
It’s not that these problems are new but now we (Black people) are being heard. Believed. And acknowledged and that is the best thing I’ve seen from the tragedy of Floyd’s death. George Floyd’s dying words have lead to an international shift, awareness, awakening, and proof that every voice matters.
Your voice matters.
Your experiences matter.
Your challenges matter.
Your purpose matters.
Your life matters so keep livin’! Sharing! Being! Loving! And let’s push the needle forward!