As movements such as Black Lives Matter continue to strongly fight injustice in Black communities, it is crucial for younger generations to understand the foundation and significance of it all. I had a similar experience explaining BLM at my job.
Days before departing to Washington DC for the Women's March of 2017, a preteen at the Boys and Girls Club had asked the reasoning for my participation in the movement. After sharing my thoughts, they then compared the Women's March to Black Lives Matter. The preteen said, "I watch people walk with 'Black Lives Matter' sign on the news. What does it really mean?"
My response: "Well, Black Lives Matter is an enormous organization of people that come together to fight the violence against Black communities. These individuals use their voice to speak about the truth and spreading the truth."
The preteen was interested in learning more, so together we went over important terms that are affiliated to Black Lives Matter: civil rights movement, police brutality, activism, protest, march and so forth. When introducing new information to youth, I always like to give examples (and many of it), in order for their spongy brains to retain new information. For instance, the comic strip below was demonstrated to the youth. We also went over the meaning of Kendrick Lamar's civil rights anthem 'Alright' (which fit perfectly because Kendrick is one of their favorite artists). These examples helped because not only does it break down the definition of Black Lives Matter, but it also captures their attention. There are myriad ways in explaining what Black Lives Matter is, and I think my approach was accurate and informative for a thirteen year-old youth to fully comprehend.
Questions for YDEV class:
1. What are your thoughts on taking teen youth to a Black Lives Matter march as a field trip?
2. At what age should youth be taught the meaning of Black Lives Matter?
i love all the pictures and videos you posted on this! really shows your compassion for the BLM movement
ReplyDeleteYUSELLLLLLY!
ReplyDeleteWOW! this post has so much heart and passion. I love how you mapped out your thoughts and knowledge of BLM. You explained the mission and knowledge surrounding BLM to that youth at the boys &girls club PERFECTLYYYYY. I love how you uncorporated Kendrick's song too. you killlllled it this week <3 <3
ps....🍕🍕🍕
I agree with Elana! I love your blog post :) you did a awesome job! I really love the song & video you too; it speaks volumes!
ReplyDeleteI used the same example in my post! The length and quality of this post is soo great. I appreciate the time you put into this. The youth you work with are lucky.
ReplyDeleteLove the connection to resources.
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