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The founders of The Black Lives Matter Movement Patrisse Cullors, Alicia Garza, and Opal Tometi will be receiving the Sydney Peace Prize. Sydney, as in Sydney, Australia, a country whose reputation includes the colonization of its Aboriginal population.

Similar to the Nobel Peace Prize, the University of Sydney awards individuals who have made marked contributions towards world peace through human rights activism and combating injustice. I couldnt think of anyone more deserving of this awardand humbled by it, than these three amazing black femmes.

The trio has remained pretty low key since they founded BLM in response to the miscarriage of justice that was the Trayvon Martin trial. A wise move considering the speed which the rallying cry Black Lives Matter instantly resonated worldwide. They encouraged the statement black lives matter to stand on its own volition, and theyre certainly aware that not everyone will appreciate, respect, or accurately report on the work theyre doing.

Related: Southern Poverty Law Center To Classify White Lives Matter As A Hate Group Because They Deserve it

Although BLMs decentralized leadership approach has allowed its founding members a level of protection from the senseless scrutiny from the conservative media and our government (which has a history ofgunning down our leadersin their sleep) the lack of a central figurehead vocalizing BLMs goals has led to the commercialization of the movement as well as misinterpretations of the motives of the organization. Some folks have run off with the name printing it on shirts, writing it on walls. More dangerous, some critics, out of sheer spite, have actively sought to muddy BLMs agenda by labeling it a hate group and calling for BLMs disbandment.

By virtue of all this, the general public is misinformed. Even French Montana shouted black lives matterfor a reason unbeknownst to all of us. And, make not mistake, the reasons why black lives matter activists use that specific phrase are important.

So with this celebration near, I would like to take this opportunity to remind you all of the ways BLM is actually a peaceful organization.

Consider, firstly, the inclusiveness of the movement. If you visitBLMs official siteand click on theguiding principleslink, you will find a clear list of all the things BLM is, all the variations of blackness and marginalized identities BLM embraces. From unapologetically affirming inter-generational, queer, non-binary and transgender identity to centering the unique struggles of disabled black communities, and so many others.

Unlike its predecessors, such as the Civil Rights Movement, BLM does not have an exclusionary nail in its foundation. The founding members understand that for black lives to matter, all categories of black identity must be recognized. They understand that as a Black person shouting Black lives matter, you are subscribing to the fact that all lives will not matter until ALL Black lives matter. Not just the lives that are related to you; not just the lives of Black people like you, or who hold your values. But, all Black lives. The Black lives you appreciate and the Black lives you cant quite get are deserving of equal respect, without issue.

Consider, secondly, the kinds of events BLM sponsors. Take a look at thislist ofongoing events and initiatives which are actually sanctioned by BLM.

What about supporting black mothers, hosting nationwide teach-ins, or deepening higher-ed curriculum with BLM-themed readings translates to hate and violence? Nothing. Peace, true peace, demands this kind of work. Its essential and timely.

Lastly, consider BLMs trained instinct for self-criticism. Using an intersectional lens to frame the contemporary struggles of Blacks, BLM was the first movement to call out even the most well-meaning Black activists for their phobias, just as Kimberle Crenshaw, the founder of intersectional feminist theory, called out her white women counterparts.

People affiliated with and sympathetic toward the black lives matter struggle know that they are called upon to embody the goals set forth by Cullors, Garza and Tometi. They are required to do more than exclaim Black lives matter or add a #BLM to their Twitter bio. They are required to option transformative love and reconciliation over hate, as avenues that lead to real peace.

Real peace is only possible when we draw attention to the invisible worlds that made BLMs now famous rallying cry necessary. We come closer to its quarters when we take seriously what the name of this struggle has been trying to get across to people of privilege for years: We matter! Please dont kill us, someone will mourn us!

Those who truly understand what the BLM movement is about will continue to work on behalf of the goals discussed above. Furthermore, awarding the founding members the Sydney Peace Prize affirms the goals and the work accomplished by BLM so far have been crucial to any modern peace-building initiative.

To reiterate a point I made earlier, given Australias history of colonization and violence towards Aboriginal people, it is refreshing to witness their support of BLM.

But, why stop here? Our question now is, hey Nobelwhere you at?

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Black Lives Matter Just Won Sydney Peace Prize. It's Time To Stop Calling It A Hate Group. - Wear Your Voice