Today is July 4th – a day celebrating the United States gaining its independence in 1776. Although it’s typically celebrated with friends and family, having a barbeque or watching fireworks, this year we can’t help but have a heavy heart caused by all the current events across the nation.
What should have been a fresh start to a new decade, 2020 has been a year of disheartenment. When the ball dropped on New Year’s Eve, we had no idea what was to come – from the loss of the beloved basketball player, Kobe Bryant, to the effects of Covid-19 resulting in the death of thousands and unemployment of millions, to the outcry for justice sweeping the nation and around the world from those demanding justice surrounding police brutality and inequality.
On the 244th year of independence of the United States, more than ever, we realize the racial injustice that began at America’s inception is still alive today. We are still experiencing the trauma rooted from the ripple effects of slavery and segregation. Today, millions of people are feeling pain and frustration for the lives that have been lost as a result of an unjust system. “Black Lives Matter,” are the words you can hear echoing around the globe — a statement that shouldn’t be controversial, but has become one. There are many still deeming the words “All Lives Matter,” and while this is true, the reason the words “Black Lives Matter” need to be emphasized is because to some people, Black lives don’t matter at all. In this generation, there are Black Americans and minorities who are still experiencing racism and discrimation because of the color of their skin.
While the media has focused on the violence, looting, and rioting that many misconceive to be in cahoots with the peaceful protesting, we’d like to take a moment to recognize the millions of people around the world standing together and marching peacefully against racism, inequality, and police brutality. In our own cities, we’ve witnessed people coming together to have their voices heard. They are demanding change and will continue to exercise their right to protest until they see “equality and justice for all.”
Please take a moment to read some thoughts from members of our Nothing Mag team who attended local protests.
Ahmaud Arbery by Dom Douangpanya
In the midst of the Black Lives Matter movement, I’ve had the opportunity to participate in four protests throughout Orange County and the Inland Empire. The feeling just didn’t sit right with me watching from the sidelines and I knew I had to take action, even in these times of a global pandemic. It became so upsetting and frustrating with every new incident popping up, and how agonizing it is to be able to refresh my Twitter feed at any given moment to find a new video of someone falling victim to racial injustice. It’s been going on for far too long. I’m ashamed that in the grand scope of things it seems as though there hasn’t been any substantial progress in decades.
Participating in these protests were honestly some of the most emotional times I’ve experienced this year. To see so many people come together and make their voices heard in their own communities was truly powerful and overwhelming. We must do everything in our power to get our opinions heard as we fight against injustice. This includes signing petitions, educating one another, and calling city officials to demand change. These are ways we can make sure we see change in the communities we live in. Everyone might not be able or willing to participate in all of these acts, but everyone can do something.
What really set it off for me this year was the killing of Ahmaud Arbery. He passed two days after my own birthday, and would’ve been the same age as myself if he was still alive for his birthday. Instead, thousands of people celebrated his life on what would’ve been his 26th birthday by going for a 2.23 mile walk/jog/run in remembrance of the date he was murdered. I think about him almost every day since I heard about his incident, along with all the other names we must not forget.
I’ve been way too influenced by black culture my entire life to not stand up and do my part in protecting black lives. Yes, 2020 has been such a wild ride for all of us thus far, and it’s most certainly not the year that we had planned. However, if it takes circumstances like these for us to finally see some concrete change within these systems of injustice, then I believe we should all be for it. It’s important to remind ourselves that we can’t let our foot off the gas pedal just yet. It’s about keeping the momentum and continuing this as a movement, and not a moment.
FilipinX for Black Lives by Julianne Bautista
When the death of George Floyd occurred, there was rage and anger coming from within me, questions roaming through my head. Why? Why was he killed for such an insignificant and false reason? After Floyd’s death, the Black Lives Matter movement needed their voices to be heard once again and forever.
I attended the Long Beach protest with my Filipino American organization called Anakbayan, we created posters that stated, “FilipinX for Black Lives”. As we started marching with groups, I instantly felt that I am making a change in history, that we are all making change in history. The protest was peaceful and moving, so much so that I became emotional. My eyes started to water as I thought to myself, “why do people have to be so cruel to one another?” I know, I sound very naive because, unfortunately, the world will never be a straight line of plain kindness and happy thoughts, there will always be a side to fix for change. During the Long Beach protest, I learned one thing and that is, if we all stick and fight together, we will create a positive change in history. One day at a time, and Black lives will always matter.
Juneteenth by Jess Rodriguez
Before this year I had not heard of Juneteenth or what the meaning of the date was. From researching the internet, I learned that June 19th, 1865 marked the end of slavery. I wonder why this important part of African American history is not taught to us in school. There have been continuous protests throughout the country since George Floyd and many others were murdered at the hands of police officers.
Almost every other day now I see news of cops treating black people unfairly. I support the Black Lives Matter movement because I want to fight against racism and stand up for what is right. Attending the Juneteenth celebration hosted by No More Names LA was an unforgettable experience for me. We marched the streets of Downtown Los Angeles from Pershing Square to City Hall. We were led by a man standing in the back of a pickup truck shouting into a megaphone the names of those who were killed by police officers. Cars honked with us in rhythm as we chanted “No Justice, No Peace!” When we arrived at city hall music was playing loudly through speakers and there were groups of people handing out water and food. One of my favorite moments was when the crowd came together clapping along and singing “Lean On Me” by Bill Withers. It was such a beautiful energy hearing all our voices. A powerful speech was given by USC professor of law Jody Armour. He questions, “When are black lives going to start to matter?”, and educated us on the oppression of black people. I left the protest feeling inspired by everyone who was there and knowing our voices were heard.
For those that don’t understand or don’t feel like they are affected by the issues, instead of ignoring them or pretending they don’t exist, we ask you to read and listen to these stories with empathy for the pain and desolation many are experiencing. It’s okay not to understand, but please be understanding. When you come from a place of compassion, together we can heal.
We wish everyone a safe 4th of July.
