What does the Black Lives Matter Movement mean to you?

The United States has experienced a momentous time in the last few months with regard to the Black Lives Matter movement and the pandemic. I've seen the devastation in our country and how it has forced many people, including me, to reconsider the lenses through which they see the world, as well as the way that it has targeted Black people. This has made us look at ourselves and our families to see the negative stereotypes that we perpetuate every day. As a South Asian citizen, I have learned about the harmful practices that affect Black people. The most common example is colorism. This practice has been embedded in South Asian culture since colonization. We need to take a step back, reexamine and have difficult conversations both with ourselves and with others so that we can all move forward together. It is important to recognize that America was built on systems that were designed to serve white people. Only when that realization is made can we begin to rebuild these systems for everyone's benefit. Non-Black POCs like me must learn about their own history. This includes how the Civil Rights Movement led to the United States allowing people from all Asian countries to come to the United States and how the Model Minority Myth has only harmed Black people. It is important to understand the history of Black brothers and sister by reading informative articles, watching documentaries, and watching movies that depict certain aspects of our society, such as the prison system. Also, it is crucial to create spaces for BIPOC to be heard, seen, and supported. As young people, it is our responsibility to be the best allies possible. This includes avoiding performative allyship and making use of any platform that we have to raise awareness. We can stop injustice by signing petitions, contacting representatives and continuously educating ourselves.

My life has always been marked by the Black Lives Matter movement. Since I was very young, I have attended events and kept up to date with the news. I've also mourned the loss POC lives. It is amazing to see young people's dedication to this movement. My generation started a social media revolution which has been spreading across the country and the globe. My peers, teachers, family, and I are bringing systemic racism and social injustice to light in a remarkable and inspiring way.

Despite the fact that I don't know many people of color because I live in a rural area, it is important to support this powerful and meaningful movement. The world is full of violence and prejudice, but most people are unaware of it. I was one of them. It's impossible to have difficult conversations, which is why I believe this movement is so important. Only by having these conversations can we as a group make positive changes. BLM encourages these conversations, which in turn makes it possible for us all to look for a solution.

I don't want to live where Black people have to fear those who promise to protect them. I don't want a world in which victims of murder are not treated with justice. I don't want a world in which hate and injustice are not acknowledged and sometimes even celebrated. All these reasons are why I chose to support the BLM movement, and be the best ally that I can be.

Because of my age, I often feel powerless in matters larger than me. But young people have a greater voice than I could ever imagine. We are now seeing the changes that can truly transform this country with the help of social media. Youth must continue to challenge the old ways and demand change. Justice will be achieved by signing petitions, spreading truthful information, and spreading love.

In the last few weeks, I have witnessed the state of the country change like never before. I have been questioned about many aspects of society and our education system because of the momentum built over the past weeks. It is very difficult for me to watch my Black brothers and sister suffer such terrible acts of injustice as a result of being a person of colour. Over 400 years, Black Americans have been subject to racism. The Black community has been continuously neglected by us, the Americans. The death of George Floyd recently sparked a global movement to end the injustices that Black people are facing every day. These past weeks have seen the power of young people change the course and direction of the movement. We cannot let this momentum die. It is time for young people change the narratives that are taught in schools and societies. As a young adult, I've learned a lot and realized that it is important to support the Black community by learning about their history and understanding the truth behind many of America's historical events. This movement also means that we need to look within ourselves and in our homes to facilitate difficult conversations about embedded racism in our communities. As a South Asian citizen, I know firsthand the injustice caused by the inexcusable comments that are made to my community. Because of the colonization effects on South Asian communities, there is a lot of racism and colorism that has been ingrained in our minds. This is your chance to change the narratives in your own communities and to make America a better place. We must also realize that the system of oppression against people who aren't white has existed for centuries. People are afraid of the backlash that they might receive for speaking up against injustice. Many people remain silent because of this fear, which has led to the vicious cycle that perpetuates injustice. This cycle cannot continue. We must end it.