All Lives Matter? Well, it depends…

It depends on the person that feels empowered to make that choice. Empowered individuals can make lives matter. An empowered person can let you die in 7 minutes in front of people that hear you beg for your life, hear you say I can’t breathe, hear you say I give up but continue to keep his knee pressed on your neck with your hands cuffed behind your back as you call for your momma.

It depends on an individual standing their ground because they feel threatened. It depends if someone wants to call 911 to use their victimizing voice frantically falsely accusing you of crime you did not commit. It depends on how someone feel about the color of your skin.

Why does the statement of “Black lives matter offend so many people?” Each year different cancer marathons are held in many cities; do you ever see other runners with signs saying All cancer matter! Why is that? Because they are being respectful about the cause. So why is there such a national debate about wanting to address the inequality treatment from the system?

Could it be the word “Black”? If you find the statement “Black Lives Matter” bothers you, are you in denial about the real message being addressed in 3 words.

Black lives matter is showing the world that it is time to address racism and the ways black people are treated. This movement is showing a need for change now.

The nation cannot wait any longer. People of all colors are ready to do whatever it takes. This is much deeper than the black community versus the police. It's much deeper than that. This is about generations of people being abused and not getting justice.

George Floyd's murder is nothing we have

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‘A Political View’

By Sherry Hollilman SHERRY HOLLIMAN (cont.)

not previously seen but now a fear factor has been prompted about whose son is next? How many more people will be justifiably murdered at the hands or knees of the people that are supposed to protect and serve us? How will the unnecessary killings end if no one is being held accountable? Every year in just about every state the media can share a story about police using excessive force against black people who are often unarmed. Black mothers must give their sons the talk and worry about their sons being abused or killed by abusive officers.

George Floyd's murder is the tip of the iceberg that activated the fears of blacks, especially men which has triggered this national black life matter movement for equality.

When you hear someone say “Black lives Matters” rather than immediately respond with all lives matter, try to understand that black people are communicating we are tired of being killed, falsely arrested and imprisoned, and discriminated against. 'Enough is enough. Black Lives Matter” is trying to say what you are saying: that all lives matter equally.

You are just missing the many ways in which our country is not standing by this principle.

When you say, “All Lives Matter,” you’re drawing attention away from a movement that would help push the country toward the version of itself where all lives actually do matter. In other words, when you say, “All Lives Matter,” you are perpetuating toxic racism and in fact causing harm. Because when you do, you’re making it harder for the rest of the country to bring about positive change. You are saying to others that change isn’t necessary when it is needed.

Sherry Holliman is a concerned citizen of Crittenden County and has some views on a variety of topics that she wants to share with her neighbors. She serves on the Marion City Council.