It started in 2013 when George Zimmerman was found innocent in the murder of Trayvon Martin. In response, Opal Tometi, Alicia Garza, and Patrisse Cullors created โa Black-centered political will and movement building project called #BlackLivesMatterโ. The goal of the movement is to end racism and violence by police against Black people. Studies show that Black people are 3x more likely to be killed by police than white people, and this is what the organization wants to solve. BLM wants to ensure that police can no longer kill innocent people with impunity. From 2013-2019 99% of police who killed walked away with no charges. But police brutality is not the only issue BLM is focused on, the movement also aims to solve the injustices people of color face in America. Many minority neighborhoods are over-policed, which can often lead to more police violence.
Locally, the Black Lives Matter movement has been active in Charlottesville and Crozet. During the summer there were many protests at the Downtown Mall, with crowds of people walking all around Downtown Charlottesville calling for action on police brutality. Some protests would end at City Hall, and people would come up and speak about many things including personal experiences of racism, what compelled them to come protest, or the importance of Black Lives Matter to them. For a few months in Crozet, there were two protests a week, with people driving by and honking in support. Because of Covid-19, protesters had to wear a mask and socially distance themselves to protect one another.
By now you have probably heard the phrase โBlack Lives Matterโ. Whether it was on the news, or on social media, the BLM movement has been growing rapidly over the past few months. But you might be wondering, what does this phrase mean, and what is the movement hoping to accomplish?
The protests this year have made real changes including the firing and conviction of all four officers involved in George Floydโs death. From the removal of a statue of a racist mayor in Philadelphia to a Confederate monument being removed from a park in Jacksonville, protests have influenced government officials to take action. But in places where the government did not respond, protesters took it upon themselves to remove the statues. In Birmingham, Alabama, the statue of Confederate General Robert E. Lee was taken down by protesters, and in Richmond Va, a statue of Confederate General Williams Carter Wickham was removed by rope. Even outside of the country protesters are stepping up. In Bristol, the United Kingdom, a statue of slave trader Edward Colston was taken down by civilians. Although this has been a rough and abnormal year, many BLM supporters see 2020 as the year that brings change for the better.
Name: Henley Front Office Staff
(Cathy Ziemba, Alissa Layne, Jean Smartt)
How long have you been at Henley?
Ziemba: 1 year
Layne: 20 years
Smartt: 5 years
Favorite color?
Ziemba: Blue
Layne: Tiffany Blue
Smartt: Blue
Whatโs one thing students would be surprised to learn about you?
Ziemba: I taught high school special education for 20 years
Layne: I am a proud former Henley student.
Smartt: I was in the Air Force
What is one of your hidden talents?
Ziemba: Making tasty plant-based recipes.
Layne: I can twirl a baton.
Smartt: I love baking.
What do you like to do outside of school?
Ziemba: Go to the gym, read, cook.
Layne: I love being outside spending time with my family and friends.
Smartt: Spend time with family. Be outdoors - walk/hike/etc.
Beach or mountains?
Ziemba: Beach
Layne: Beach!
Smartt: Mountains
What is your favorite memory from middle school?
Ziemba: Going to my first school dance.
Layne: Getting new boots from my mom and sliding down the halls with them on.
Smartt: โSkateworldโ on Friday nights
What is your kindred spirit?
Ziemba: Wolf
Layne: Cat
Smartt: Dog
What song/artist are you constantly listening to currently?
Ziemba: The Lumineers
Layne: Maren Morris. The Bones
Smartt: Whatever my daughter plays in the car. Hamilton soundtrack
10. Is there a quote or saying that you live your life by?
Ziemba: โLet us rejoice and be glad.โ
Layne: โMake it a great day or not...the choice is yours.โ
Smartt: โDo unto others as you would have them do unto you."
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