Biden and the Black Lives Matter Movement
When the Trayvon Martin case made headlines, many people were shocked and angered. Some even wondered why George Zimmerman was acquitted. Others pointed to the recent shooting of Michael Brown in Ferguson, Missouri, as reason to get involved in the Black Lives Matter movement. But, did Biden really understand why this movement is so important? Here are some facts about the movement and its supporters. The movement is decentralized and its supporters are protesting police brutality and racially motivated violence.
Trayvon Martin shooting
In the aftermath of the Trayvon Martin shooting, Black Lives Mean More than Ever. Trayvon Martin’s death has sparked discussions on race and social injustice. He was unarmed and a victim of a police shooting. His mother says she is concerned for the safety of her children. The tragedy is still fresh in our minds. But how did we get here? This article will examine some of the reactions from people on both sides.
Despite the growing public outrage over the Trayvon Martin shooting, the movement has continued to flourish and grow. The Trayvon Martin shooting has become a mythic struggle, and the policeman involved remains on trial for his crime. In 2016, George Zimmerman auctioned the gun used in the shooting. While it remains unknown who purchased it, the winning bidder paid $138,900 for the gun.
Trayvon Martin shooting, Black Lives: What does it mean for the movement? In a recent interview, President Obama referred to the shooting as a “war crime.” But while his death was tragic, there was also a larger movement. It was called “Black Lives Matter.” In response, many law-enforcement officials have begun putting the pressure on police to do better. The movement has grown across the nation, with the support of many community organizations.
George Zimmerman acquittal
As the nation watches the coverage of the George Zimmerman trial, a group called Black Lives Matter is calling for the acquittal of the Florida man charged with killing Trayvon Martin. During the trial, protesters waved placards and chanted “No Justice, No Peace,” but the judge ruled that Zimmerman acted in self defense. However, the group has not yet come up with any concrete suggestions as to why Zimmerman was acquitted.
The Million Hoodies Movement for Justice has become a powerful symbol for the black community. The group was formed in the wake of the death of Trayvon Martin, and has been gaining momentum with each passing day. The protests have expanded to the streets of Los Angeles and San Francisco as the media attention grows. Thousands have rallied to demand justice. However, police have been using non-lethal baton rounds to put down demonstrators. In addition, some protesters were throwing rocks and stones at police. Despite the protesters’ anger, no arrests have been made, and the streets of San Francisco have been closed.
George Zimmerman has continued to face scrutiny and criticism since his acquittal. His attempts to sue the media failed to get him acquitted were unsuccessful, with a Florida judge dismissing his defamation lawsuit against NBC after a NBC report alleged Zimmerman told a 911 operator that Martin was Black. The trial has also led to several speaking engagements and auctions of his gun, which he sold to an online auction site for $250,000.
Ferguson, Missouri, police officer shot Michael Brown
A grand jury in Ferguson, Missouri, has declined to indict the police officer who shot and killed Michael Brown. The Justice Department says the officer acted in self-defense and did not intentionally shoot Brown. However, the grand jury’s decision does not address the police department’s routine violations of the civil rights of African American residents. The Justice Department has concluded that the Ferguson police department has a history of excessive force and racial profiling.
As a result, the city of Ferguson, Missouri, has agreed to settle the lawsuit by paying Lezley McSpadden-Head $1.5 million. On the other hand, the mother of the deceased calls on Missouri Gov. Mike Parson to reopen the investigation. While the protesters protest peacefully throughout the day, some break windows and burn QuikTrip and a grocery store. The Ferguson City Council announces plans to reduce fine revenue and reform court procedures.
The civil rights project, chaired by Reverend Starsky Wilson, is now studying the circumstances that led to the rioting in Ferguson. One of its main findings is that Wilson’s first words to Brown set the tone for their relationship. However, these actions could not be isolated from previous mistakes. Police officers must spend more time at schools and treat residents as allies. It is unclear what type of training Wilson received prior to the shooting.
Joe Biden’s support for Black Lives Matter
In the wake of George Floyd’s death, the president-elect has endorsed the protest movement, but the incoming administration’s support may leave some activists nervous. Biden has committed to reining in “qualified immunity,” which shields police officers from civil lawsuits. Still, some activists are skeptical of his hasty embrace of the movement. A recent report highlights the racial disparities in the country, which disproportionately affect Black and brown communities. However, the Vice President has publicly endorsed the movement and has advocated for qualified immunity reform and community policing. He has resisted the idea of defunding police.
The emergence of Biden’s support for Black Lives Means has sparked debate within the movement. A few members have questioned whether Biden’s endorsement will actually change the political landscape. While some supporters say it is an important policy issue, others worry that he will simply make the movement irrelevant by focusing on symbolism alone. In fact, Sloan, the co-founder of the Black Lives Matter movement, says Biden’s support for the movement is a sign of an evolving movement.
The VP’s tweet highlights the need for greater federal resources to fight police brutality. It also suggests that white police officers are not necessarily innocent. Instead, the President should begin by appointing a special prosecutor to investigate civil rights violations. And finally, Vice President Biden must recognize that racism and poverty are pandemics in and of themselves. Indeed, Covid-19 has only exacerbated them. The next time Biden is president, he should prioritize funding for minority communities afflicted by these conditions.
Strengths
Many Americans haven’t paid enough attention to police brutality or systemic racism to understand what motivates the Black Lives Matter movement. But now they’re listening and reading and thinking about their own culpability. What makes Black Lives Matter so powerful? These are just a few of the reasons why. And we’ve been hearing more about them every day. This week’s survey highlights some of those strengths.
One of the strongest aspects of the Black Lives Matter movement is its diversity. Though mostly Black men have led local CRM centers, Bayard Rustin has stayed in the background because of his homosexuality. Other black women involved with the movement include Garza, Cullors, and Tometi. While the movement is a black-led initiative, many white people and members of other minority groups have joined. This reflects the diverse nature of the movement.
Another strong point of Black Lives Matter is its non-hierarchical nature. A recent survey found that about half of U.S. adults believe that criminal behavior has contributed to the protests. By contrast, more than six in ten white people agree that the protests are motivated by longstanding concerns about the treatment of black people. Regardless of the demographic, black people have consistently expressed concerns about their treatment by the police and have a strong sense of self-efficacy.
Criticisms
There are many reasons for Black Lives Matter critics to question the movement. While the movement highlights the need for justice and accountability for the victims of police violence, it also points to the need for systemic reform that will change the lives of people of color. These reforms need to include equitable education, economic opportunity, and health opportunities. The critics of the movement are correct that these reforms are necessary but not sufficient. They miss the point that the BLM movement is largely about racial justice.
Critics of the movement point out that the organization lacks transparency in the way it operates. This lack of transparency undermines the movement’s credibility as an advocate for the community. Yet this criticism has not stopped the movement from growing. In fact, critics have compared it to the Women’s March, which saw three of its leaders step down amid controversy. Further, the Black Lives Matter Global Network Foundation has split into several chapters, alleging that national leaders did not fully disclose its finances and failed to include local chapters in decision-making. Some family members of victims of police violence have also publicly criticized the movement.
Critics of the Black Lives Matter movement point out that the organization has used social media to distribute images of police abuse, as well as offline advocacy. These powerful images have helped change the narrative. But a critical criticism of the BLM movement has to be tempered with the reality that systemic racism does not look like a rogue cop. Instead, it looks like ordinary citizens trying to keep the peace. The police don’t see them as peaceful, so the activists have to focus on a larger, more systematic change.