Black Lives Matter vs. All Lives Matter

BLACK LIVES MATTER!

(Yes... ALL lives matter, but RIGHT NOW we are focused on BLACK LIVES!) Today, I will use my voice to stand with my black brothers and sisters in solidarity and do my best to explain why the phrase “All Lives Matter” is extremely harmful, inappropriate and hurtful to use in a time when we should ALL come together to use our collective voice to plead in solidarity: BLACK LIVES MATTER!

For those who have responded to the phrase “Black Lives Matter” with the phrase “All Lives Matter,” I would like to start by saying that you are correct! All lives DO matter! No one will ever contest that truth! But when the phrase “All Lives Matter” is used in response to THIS time, THIS movement, and THIS racial climate, it is extremely hurtful, inappropriate and harmful because RIGHT NOW... your black friends SPECIFICALLY need your help and assistance.

For example: If one home in your neighborhood is on fire, you will call 911 to ask for assistance for that ONE home. You will not ask for assistance for ALL of the homes in your neighborhood. Why??? Because in that moment, only ONE home in your neighborhood is in trouble and the ONLY home that MATTERS in THAT moment. Saying that, if that one fire is not put out, ALL of the homes in your neighborhood are now put in jeopardy. And that is why solidarity matters SO VERY MUCH in this time because RIGHT NOW BLACK LIVES MATTER to protect ALL LIVES!

RIGHT NOW... BLACK LIVES are that one home in your neighborhood that needs your help to STOP the spread of hate, racism, prejudice and violence!

I stand now and forevermore with my black brothers and sisters asking that ALL people stand together in peaceful support and solidarity because BLACK LIVES MATTER!

Please stay safe, stay healthy and remember that TOGETHER WE ARE STRONGER! TOGETHER UNITED AGAINST ALL INJUSTICE EVERYWHERE! #JusticeForAll #BlackLivesMatter ❤️

Author:
Nicole Pryor Dernersesian
Executive Director, Inclusion Media Group