The Future of Black Lives Matter Under a Trump Presidency
Eight protesters calling themselves White Lives Matter were arrested in Austin, Texas over the weekend. The demonstrations began Saturday morning during the unveiling of a monument at the Texas State Capitol dedicated to the contributions of African Americans to the state throughout history.
The White Lives Matter protesters are a direct response to the Black Lives Matter movement, which has swelled with support since it began after the death of Trayvon Martin in 2012. They are also a response that was condoned by President-elect Donald Trump throughout the course of his campaign.
“Alright folks you are going to hear it once, all lives matter," Trump told supporters a rally at Radford University in Virginia back in Febrary. "All lives matter.”
Now, Black Lives Matter is being forced to confront opposing forces and sentiments while preparing for an administration that will likely be less tolerant than the Obama Administration, and less welcome to some of the achievements and conversations the group has fostered thus far.
Opal Tometi is one of three co founders of the Black Lives Matter movement. She's also currently running The Black Alliance for Just Immigration, and she says after the setbacks of the election, this has been a pivotal moment of looking inward.
