BLM BLACK LIVES MATTER Say their Names
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Breonna Taylor
Athletes take a stand by Amarachi Achioso, 15 | Ontario
Breonna Taylor was a 26-year-old African-American emergency medical technician who was a victim of police brutality. On March 13, 2020, the Louisville Metro Police Department was doing an investigation which led them to Breonna Taylor’s house. The police conducted a no-knock warrant investigation, meaning that they went into her home without her knowledge where one of the police officers shot Ms. Taylor. This incident prompted the Louisville’s Metro Council to ban the no-knock warrants resulting in a new law is called “Breonna’s Law.”
With different movements in place such as “Black Lives Matter,” “Say Her Name,” and many more, citizens are fighting for justice on behalf of victims of police brutality like Breonna. In San Diego, California, Gina Wickstead and Nicol Hodges decided to dedicate the runs they went on to Breonna Taylor like “Run for Breonna.” Each of the runners wears a bib that reads “#RunForBreonna. Justice for Breonna Taylor.” Gina says, “Protests are only one day, but running as a form of protest is a moving advertisement. You can create more awareness that way.” I feel that this a really simple action to spread awareness about this ongoing situation since many people are not aware of how serious this is and how it impacts different individuals.
The Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA) recently restarted their basketball season. They decided to dedicate their entire season to the Black Lives Matter movement. The players wear Nike-branded warm-up shirts with “Black Lives
Matter” on the front and “Say Her Name” on the back. To commemorate Breonna Taylor, the WNBA has decided to have her name written on the back of their jerseys. Breonna Taylor’s mother, Tamika Palmer, has said the WNBA’s tribute is part of “what keeps [her] family going each day.” This goes to show that athletes are using the platforms they have to spread awareness and try to achieve justice.
We as individuals at home can also take part and make a difference by signing petitions for movements like Black Lives Matter Canada, or
