Hundreds Gather, Walk in Support of Black Lives Matter

    The moment has become a movement. The movement is in cities large and small. It crosses state lines and reaches beyond America’s borders. There is a world-wide outcry to end racial injustice and support Black Lives Matter. A peaceful protest, organized by Orindans Tatiana and Neil Pretlow, spanned both sides of Highway 24 Saturday, June 6. Hundreds gathered at the Camino Pablo and Brookwood Road intersection for a socially-distanced walk to the Community Center. Some stood with raised, closed fists. Some held signs with BLM on pieces of cardboard. There were signs of protest. Signs of unity. Signs of hope. Signs for all people to come together to end systemic racism.
    According to Wikipedia, “The raised fist, or the clenched fist, is a symbol of solidarity and support. It is also used as a salute to express unity, strength, defiance, or resistance.” It was first used as a logo in 1917.
    #BlackLivesMatter was founded in 2013 by three women in response to the acquittal of Trayvon Martin’s murderer, George Zimmerman. Black Lives Matter Foundation, Inc.’s mission “is to eradicate white supremacy and build local power to intervene in violence inflicted on Black communities by the state and vigilantes. By combating and countering acts of violence, creating space for Black imagination and innovation, and centering Black joy, we are winning immediate improvements in our lives.” The call for Black lives to matter is a rallying cry for all Black lives striving for liberation, as stated on their website.