University of Florida - Tower / Seminole Yearbook (Gainesville, FL)

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black lives matter The Block Lives Matter movement was initiated in 2013 by Alicia Garza, Patrisse Cullors, and Opal Tometi in response to the acquittal of Trayvon Martin's murderer, George Zimmerman. The social movement sought to fight racism and police brutality. The deaths of George Floyd and Breonna Taylor, among others, sparked a new wave of the movement in 2020. Across the country, communities came together and united behind a common cause. The Black Lives Matter movement was prominent in the news and social media across the country and around the world. The country broke out into protest. The people wanted to be heard. The students at the University of Florida experienced the strength of the movement. Derek Wingo. first-year undergraduate student, said, 'The Black Lives Matter movement has impacted me because I am able to see other people's perspectives and to be more cautious with my word choice and actions. I think it is a very positive thing when communities stand together through performing marches and peaceful protests. I think the change that will be made through this movement is that the topic will now be brought up in seriousness and not pushed aside. I do believe it has united the UF community.' A Black Lives Matter march took place on campus August 28. 2020. Angelique Mustell. first-year undergraduate student, experienced it and said 'The Black Lives Matter movement has brought my attention to big issues I never personally focused on and hew beautiful it is when the community stands together. This movement has definitely united the community which was visible through the march on campus. There were hundreds of students and members of the community and a shrine on campus' The movement raised many student's awareness. Italia Bolb. first-year undergraduate student, said. 'It has made me more aware of injustices and that people have a right to stand up for what they believe in. There needs to be more love than division. That is something I think everyone can agree on.' Writing by Kot® McCrory Photography Complimonts from Only in Gainosvillo