Black Lives Matter (BLM) isn’t just a phrase, it’s a movement.

The founders of the Movement, Alicia Garza, Opal Tometi, and Patrisse Cullors, created it as “a call to action for Black people after 17-year-old Trayvon Martin was post-humously placed on trial for his own murder and the killer, George Zimmerman, was not held accountable for the crime he committed. It was a response to the anti-Black racism that permeates our society and also, unfortunately, our movements.”

African Americans’ Opinions

Many African American students in Miami High support the BLM movement. Senior Anthony Rattigan said, “It has a good purpose and some people today just don’t understand what African Americans go through. They don’t realize that it’s really hard for African Americans in our society, and that’s what the movement is trying to change.”

“It keeps the black people from corrupted police officers,” adds senior Gary Wright.

Some African American students at MHS have experienced discrimination firsthand. Senior Kevonna Brown said, “People look at me weirdly, and the security in stores follow me like I’m going to steal something.”

Senior Ronald Christalin said, “One time my dad and I got pulled over by the cops and they took me out of the car, ready to shoot me. I remember feeling scared at first but found it funny afterwards.”

Black Lives Matter is one important movement today and many African American students don’t believe that it takes attention away from other races. “I think it brings black people together,” said senior Kerline Momperousse She also added that it brings the upcoming generations together and helps them to appreciate their race.

Senior Travon Shannon agrees saying that the movement is promoting unity for African Americans and equality for all races.

Hispanics’ Opinions

Here at Miami High, the majority of students are Hispanic, but many are sympathetic to the movement. Senior Arletthe Marrero said, “I agree with the movement because enough African Americans have died for the inequalities that still exist.”

Arlene Galdamez, a sophomore, believes that the movement is important for everyone in the US because it will help white people overcome their biased opinions against black people.

Ailema Perdomo, a senior, says, “It’s a great way to bring awareness to a group of people who have been neglected for too long.”

One criticism the BLM Movement, however, is that it focuses on just one race. Senior Amaya Napoles says that the movement takes away attention from the issues different minorities are having.

However, not all MHS Hispanic students, think that’s the case. Jose Hernandez believes the BLM movement is not about taking away from other races. “It’s just about supporting black lives,” he said.

Non-Hispanics’ Opinions

Non-Hispanic people are a rare occurrence at MHS due to Miami’s diverse population, but they have a voice too. When asked about what they thought about the movement, many were positive. Freshman Kyle Marie said, “I think it’s amazing because we need social equality and to this day it still hasn’t come.”

Resolving the Issue?

People have their own ideas on how to fix racism and discrimination in American society.

Junior Gabriela Villanueva said, “We need to get to know more about African Americans; to not assume bad things about them just because of the color of their skin; to give them a chance because they’re not all the same. There’s so many well-rounded African Americans in the world, yet so many people still choose to be racist.”

Similarly, biology teacher Mr. Emerson Perez says, “I think it could be resolved with more effective communication and through having more empathy towards the trials and tribulations from different individuals.”

Senior Wildney Present recommends tightening up law enforcement and by not letting anyone get away with a criminal act.

Yet, some people still doubt whether anything can be changed. Giovani Clement, a senior, said, “There’s no way of resolving this issue. This type of brutality has been going on for hundreds of years now. What makes it so important now? Yes, it has slowed down, but there’s no way of stopping this at all, in my perspective.”

Senior Zachary Roncallo says it’s going to be difficult because people will always be racist and it can be almost impossible to change people’s minds.