Is Black Lives Matter Progressing or Regressing?

Story by Caelyn Eaves. Photo courtesy of Flickr. 

In 2012, a 17-year-old Black boy, Trayvon Martin, was killed. His killer, George Zimmerman, was not held responsible. This sparked the Black Lives Matter movement, which was organized by three women: Alicia Garza, Patrisse Cullors, and Opal Tometi. The Black Lives Matter movement was created to fight for justice, fairness and safety for Black people, so that no one else would go through what Trayvon Martin did. 

The Black Lives Matter hashtag on social media has become a powerful tool for spreading awareness and organizing movements. In addition, the movement led to some improvements, like police body cameras, bans on no-knock warrants, diversity in schools and programs to address racial bias, and implicit bias training in law enforcement. This movement was and still is an important legacy in history. 

The D.C. Department of Public Works painted “Black Lives Matter” in large yellow letters on 16th Street NW, just north of Lafayette Square. In 2021, Mayor Bowser officially renamed this section “Black Lives Matter Plaza” to honor the movement and its significance. The plaza symbolized the city's commitment to racial equality and a gathering place for demonstrations advocating for social justice.

Although this was a remarkable historical event, the Trump administration has threatened to reduce federal funding if the plaza wasn’t renamed “Liberty Plaza.” According to Mayor Bowser, this exploit of power will cost the city an amazing mural that “inspired millions of people and helped our city through a very painful period. We can’t afford to be distracted by meaningless congressional interference.” Additionally, this move was a setback for African Americans who have fought for justice and equality, as it forces the community to think that equal rights don‘t matter anymore, and that Black lives are not worth fighting for. This also goes against the First Amendment, which protects the freedom of speech, expression, religion, the press, assembly, and the right to petition the government.

However, BLM being insignificant isn’t the case because Black people have been battling for their rights for centuries. For instance, the Voting Rights Act of 1965 eliminated literacy tests and other discriminatory measures against Black people. The history of Black people protesting and fighting for equitable rights is eternal. 

Caelyn Eaves is an 8th grade scholar at Friendship Woodridge International Middle School.