'This is not just a moment': How accountability and allyship will move the needle forward for Black Lives Matter
When Black Lives Matter was created on July 13, 2013, in response to the acquittal of George Zimmerman, who shot Trayvon Martin, its founders, Alicia Garza, Patrisse Cullors and Opal Tometi, wanted to make sure this movement made a mark in history.
Since then, the “Black-centered political will and movement” has transformed into a global network of more than 40 chapters, supported by local community organizers and with some of the most notable public figures recognizing its progress.
With the heightened racial tensions in the U.S. due to the recent killings of Ahmaud Arbery, Breonna Taylor and George Floyd, and the pandemic affecting people of color at disparate rates, many Americans are asking themselves, “Where do we go from here?”
While Black Lives Matter and more recent campaigns are raising awareness about the importance of racial equality, other groups are attempting to disrupt the growth of the movement. Despite this, supporters are fighting back and gathering in the thousands to effect change.
To learn how the Black community and its allies can help further the demands of the Black Lives Matter movement, Yahoo Life spoke with four Black advocates on what we can do to keep up the momentum.
Panelists include Alysha Pamphile, cinematographer and host of the Black Girl Podcast, and Doyin Richards, bestselling children’s author and keynote speaker. The Grapevine’s host and producer Ashley Akunna and Donovan Thompson, a panelist and producer on the show, were also part of the discussion.
Watch the video above to learn more about how to ensure Black Lives Matter is a movement, not a moment.
Video produced by Kelly Matousek and Gisselle Bances
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