BLM Movement and Its Lasting Impact

Where do we go from here?

2020 -- the start of a new decade. I don't think the average person saw a global pandemic coming, let alone that one of its unifying factors would be the discussion on police brutality.

In light of a global pandemic, it was uplifting to see a good number of people coming together in support of #BlackLivesMatter. But did it really need take a global pandemic to get people to join in solidarity against violence that's been happening to Black and Brown bodies for decades?

I want to take a moment to recognize the Black and Brown lives lost/were brought to light during this pandemic:

• Ahmaud Arbery

• Andres Guardado

• Breonna Taylor

• Dominique Fells

• Elijah McClain

• George Floyd

• Oluwatoyin "Toyin" Salau

• Robert Fuller

• Sean Monterrosa

• Shali Tilson

• Tony McDade

• Vanessa Guillen

As a person of color, I know all too well that the need to express our dissent with the current systems in place is not a matter of personal disagreement, it's necessary for survival.

Because it's necessary for our survival, we cannot continue to deny or ignore moving forward the pleas to hold our institutions of power accountable for their lack of urgency on these matters.

In light of this racial injustice, our nation's leadership must continue to demonstrate overwhelming political courage to push for progressive and sustainable change for Black lives.