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By Elle Michelle Anderson | Normally, I avoid speaking publicly on controversial topics that are driven by politics, religion, or race. However, as a concerned mother and aunt of young adult and teenage African American males, I find it extremely difficult to be silent about the racially-charged violence against young black males by those in whom authority is entrusted. Of course, this type of violence against young black males is not new. In my opinion, it only appears that it has just recently been occurring at alarming rates because of the heightened attention this issue has received of late. Most of the increased awareness seems to be due, in part, to the single-handed attempts of some who have literally chosen to fight fire with fire. Another reason for the raised consciousness has been through broadly publicized movements such as Black Lives Matter, for example. Regardless of the impetus that catapulted this topic to the forefront of relevance, my heart goes out to all families that suffered a loss of their loved ones due to senseless violence. I will be the first to say that I do not condone racism nor do I believe in the "eye for an eye" mentality. As a hopeful humanitarian, I am a firm believer that vengeance begets vengeance. In the long-run, no one ever wins through such combative stances. Given the odds that more precious lives will be loss if this warfare continues, I am making a plea to stop the violence!

I empathize with anyone who feels like they are going to snap under the pressure of oppression. However, there are more productive ways to deal with opposition. I will never understand the deep-seeded hatred that it must take to actualize brutality against another human being; particularly when it occurs without just cause and is driven by racial injustice. I realize this is a very touchy subject no matter which side of the debate you have taken. But, at the very minimum, anyone who cares anything about humanity must take a stance and make a commitment to stop the violence.

Taking up arms is obviously not the answer. It just leads to more lives that will be loss to violence or imprisonment. Ultimately this vigilante-style conduct just prolongs the war and is generationally destructive. One way to overcome the feeling of mental bondage is to arm yourself with knowledge about the issues at hand. Not just watching the news or reading a few headlines, but really seeking to understand the larger issues at hand. In addition, it is also important to understand the intent of social justice movements such as Black Lives Matter, for instance. Not just ascertaining superficial propaganda surrounding the movement, but really gaining a broader understanding of the true intent of the movement and other comparable community-based movements that take a stance against racial/social injustice.

Standing on the sidelines and watching things happen as opposed to taking a more proactive stance is a sure fire way to feel helpless and feel like all the wrongs in the world are happening directly against you. Over a prolonged period of time, this passive approach can lead to a feeling of desperation. So, when I hear of people wanting to take up arms to protect themselves against the injustices, it breaks my heart. This reaction is usually a response to fear. The last place a gun needs to be is in the hands of someone who is in fear, has a heart filled with hatred, or who is simply unenlightened. Putting that negative energy into something that makes a positive difference is certainly more constructive and will lead to a greater sense of liberation.

When I first heard the term Black Lives Matter, my first reaction was like many others' which was, "Of course black lives matter; all lives matter". I never thought for one second, however, that the intent of the movement was to denounce other races. What I have found in talking to several people, reading, and watching the news and documentaries about this movement is that many people actually think that just based on the title, the intent of is to condemn other races. An example that comes to mind is one of my friends who told me about a Black Lives Matter event that she attended. She told me about a young, non-African American woman who got up from the audience to speak at this particular event during the audience Q&A segment. The young woman was clearly struggling to understand the intentions of the Black Lives Matter movement. She allegedly kept arguing the point that "all lives matter, not just black lives". It appeared that it was a one-way argument because no one was arguing against her point. It became quite obvious, according to my friend, that the young woman got caught up on the title and assumed the intent of the movement was to denounce other non-black races. Those who are truly informed about the movement know that is not its' intent.

Those who are informed know the true intent of the Black Lives Matter movement. A simple Google of the title in Wikipedia explains that "Black Lives Matter (BLM) is an international activist movement, originating in the African-American community that campaigns against violence and systemic racism toward black people". The movement started as a way to bring attention to and protest against violence against young African American males, beginning with Trayvon Martin. He, as most people are aware, was a young black male who was unjustly gunned down vigilante style without reasonable or lawful grounds for such action. Unfortunately, the list goes on and on of all the other young black male lives that have been unfairly cut short by such violence. The focus of the movement is therefore specifically on bringing awareness to and saving black lives which have been increasingly marginalized. There is nothing wrong with anyone or group wanting to raise awareness of other causes such as an "all lives matter" movement. That is a very noble cause, indeed. It's like one of my sons said to me when we discussed this issue. He gave an analogy comparing a charitable group that chooses to bring awareness to lung cancer and then another group heckling their cause asserting that all cancers matter. That should simply go without saying.

At this point, it should be obvious that all lives matter. However, the dehumanizing violence against innocent young African American males demonstrates that it is not apparent to all. For that reason, it is long overdue for society to have a wake-up call to the fact that black lives matter. It is too late to raise this awareness after another life is loss to those who obviously do not believe that black lives matter. When a motion is made for US flags to be flown at half-staff in memory of those who lost their lives to racial injustice, it is again too late to try and raise awareness to this issue. Quite frankly, if the flags are held at half-staff each time a young African American male losses his life due to these senseless killings, our flags would remain at half-staff in perpetuity unless, of course, someone takes a stance against the violence. Hate kills and so does ignorance. Taking up arms and shooting innocent people is not the answer.

The answer to the mindless violence lies in denouncing hatred, understanding the issues, and joining forces in a positive way to bring awareness to the fact that black lives matter. Recently, I saw a young non-African American male wearing a t-shirt with the inscription, "How can I hate someone when I don't even know their story". The fact is, everyone has a story to tell. Yet, many young black males whose lives have been cut short by racially charged violence never had a chance to tell their story. It is unfortunate in this day and age to feel it is necessary to remind people of the simple fact that black lives matter. Let's raise our awareness and consciousness to a higher level. Be informed, get involved and take a positive stance. Stop the violence and, to paraphrase Mahatma Gandhi, 'be the change you want to see in this world'.

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