An Opinion on
Black Lives Matter Anonymous Black Lives Matter is not just a slogan. These are three words that have been repeated countless times in the past year. Yet somehow, some still do not understand the true meaning of these words. Black Lives Matter is simply a driving force that helps other people understand, acknowledge, and respect the fact that black lives matter. The slogan is a result of years of racial injustice faced by African Americans all around the country. The new digital age exposed the extent to which black lives are disrespected. How many more videos and news of African American lives dying in the hands of law-enforcement officers are we supposed to watch? I, like many others, know that this topic took a toll on my mental health. I am reminded of the beginning of quarantine when we heard of the deaths of Breonna Taylor, George Floyd, and Ahmaud Arbery. I felt like I was mourning their deaths every single day. The month of March and April were burdensome. I would wake up thinking of my family and my friends, thinking what If they were stopped by the police today? Will they make it home? I was on an emotional rollercoaster of what-ifs. These deaths and the deaths of many other innocent African Americans affected me negatively. This is the reason that the slogan Black Lives Matter is more than just a slogan. It represents me, my family, and my friends. I think to myself, “how can others not get it”? It is a simple thing that is requested, to be treated equally. Not better, but equally. Black Lives Matter does not only apply to the justice system. There are disparities in the healthcare and educational systems as well. There is still much work to be done to improve each of these systems. We all have to ask ourselves what we are going to do about this pandemic of racial injustice. I will be a nurse that will advocate for my African American mothers to ensure that they get quality care. What will you do?
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