Voice of our students: Future Sacramento students speak out on what the Black Lives Matter means to them.
Black Lives Matter means that Americans must apply greater focus to the dangers experienced by African American individuals. Black Lives Matter means we must emphasize that such racial group that has been and is suffering from institutional racism. On the contrary, the statement “All Lives Matter” holds true in theory, however it fails to acknowledge that the black community needs greater amount of help. – MR
I say “Black Lives Matter” because that brings attention to the group that most needs it. It doesn’t mean all other lives don’t matter, but black people need the most help in fighting a system that has oppressed them for hundreds of years. Saying “all lives matter” implies some sort of equality which unfortunately, isn’t the reality for many of our African- Americans. I believe my role in this is to help spread awareness and educate people on different perspectives. I also aim to help stop racial prejudices and police brutality. – TDS
My role as a non-black person of color in the “Black Lives Matter” movement is a humanitarian one. I believe that the best way to support and help dismantle systemic racism is to empathize and provide a space of acknowledgment for the communities that are most vulnerable during these times – the Black community. As a student, as a friend, and as a human being it is my role to educate those around me, listen to those around me, and acknowledge and use my privilege as a tool for resistance. It is my right to use my voice to help unite and revolutionize institutions that continue to oppress vulnerable communities to then help empower these communities around me that deserve justice! – YC
My role in the Black Lives Matter movement is to use my privilege as white-passing Latinx to uplift the voices of the Black community and bring awareness to the issues that affect the community. As well as having conversations with friends and family who would need more information on the Black Lives Matter movement and challenge them to learn about the history of systemic racism and oppression. I will devote time to continue to learn about the best way to support the Black community and apply it to every space that I contribute to, making sure that we are taking into account the multiple identities one holds. – EV
I say that “Black Lives Matter” because I firmly believe that we have the power to engrave this into our society. I say it along with my peers and together we hope to make a difference. We hope to make people understand the urgency to turn to love instead of hurtful racism and unthinkable, inhuman actions against minorities. I know we can get through this and create a nation founded on respect and love for each other. – JO
Black Lives Matter is important as it sheds light on the reality that the criminal justice system disproportionately impacts Black people at higher rates than any other group in the United States. I say this because until we acknowledge the humanity of Black people, we cannot assume that we are all treated equally in the eyes of the police and the criminal justice system. – LZ
I feel that as an Asian American, my role in the Black Lives Matter movement is to amplify the voices of African Americans who have something to say rather than saying anything myself. My role is to stand on the sidelines to support and protect them so they can finally have a chance to voice out their struggles and be heard. Even though I am standing on the sidelines, there are still many things that need to be done: signing petitions, emailing officials, going to protests, calling out people for being racist, educating family and friends, sharing posts of people who need to have their voices heard, and etc. The black lives movement is not simply black vs. white, there is a role for everyone in this fight. In fact, everyone should be doing something because we can all help the cause in different ways. The systematic racism in our country needs to be broken and that will only happen if we all stand up and fight. This injustice has been going on for too long, it is about time things changed. – HH
Black lives matter because no person should feel inferior because of their skin color which is determined by genetics. Everyone is made beautiful and has a purpose in life. – VN
