I was at a #BlackLivesMatter protest over the weekend, in the wake of the murder of George Floyd. Thousands and thousands of people attended.
What struck me most was the age and ethnicity of the protesters. They were mainly young people (30 years and below) and of diverse ethnicity. I could go as far as saying 50% of them were non-black. They had come out, en masse “in support” of the Black community as they are faced once again with injustice, inequality and oppression.
Elsewhere there has been tons of non-black support, from donations, to tweets, blackouts on social media, adverts, pulling down statues, corporate events and more. The popular South Korean group, BTS donated $1m to the cause and raised funds on another $1M from their fans. James Corden and several other non-black celebrities have publickly supported the moment.
On a more personal note, my non-black friends have been super supportive, sending me love and encouragement.
As a black person, I love it, welcome it and embrace all non-black engagement, after all, we are one race, the human race.
But this is also why I feel, quite a few people (on both sides) are missing the point. White protesters, you are not just supporting black people, it is your fight! We, as black people raised the flag; the banner clearly states Black Lives Matter, but white people should sound the trumpet and go into battle.
Black people did not create the system we find ourselves in
In George Floyd, the whole world saw clearly what Black people have, and continue to endure. The knee of White oppressors on our necks, whilst we are handcuffed and pinned to the ground. Our helpless pleas as we beg for the right to breathe.
On the surface, it seems simple enough. Black people are mistreated, so you want to support ‘their’ fight for equality. But it is not their fight, it is your fight. You are not fighting just for black people, you are fighting for yourself, for your…
