Is Black Lives Matter Controversial?

Since the late George Floyd’s death, Black Lives Matter has come back heavily into the media. Some students continue to speak on injustice to this day. Others rather stay out of it. Why?

The Black Lives Matter organization is a political and social movement that advocates against all racially motivated violence against black people, specifically police brutality.

The movement started by Alicia Garza, Patrisse Cullors and Opal Tometi in 2013 was in response to the acquittal of Trayvon Martin’s murderer. It’s now a global organization in the United States, United Kingdom, and Canada with 40 chapters more than seven years later.

While the organization tries to show non- violent civil disobedience in protest, they recently have not turned out in the best conditions.

After Floyd’s killing went viral for the world to see, many protests have descended into rioting in every state in America. The rioting has changed many’s perceptions of the movement’s real intentions. Some would even consider BLM a controversial topic to discuss.

“I feel as though that Black Lives Matter can easily be controversial due to the large amount of people that abuse the movement for their own personal gain,” said Brianna Cirillo, sophomore. “I hope that one day it can be a discussion rather than a debate but everyone’s entitled to their own opinion. However, it saddens me that people are opposed to their purpose because of someone else’s actions.”

Other students feel as though there should be no controversy regarding the topic.

“I think it is, but it shouldn’t be,” said Centurie Hill, senior. “ I don’t understand why there’s controversy over protecting people and wanting to save their lives. “