Probably the most authoritative presentation of BLM's stated goals is at https://blacklivesmatter.com/what-we-believe. Other than an introductory passage that says that their formation was spurred by rage at the death of Trayvon Martin, death and murder are never mentioned. Instead, their principles begin:
Every day, we recommit to healing ourselves and each other, and to co-creating alongside comrades, allies, and family a culture where each person feels seen, heard, and supported.
We acknowledge, respect, and celebrate differences and commonalities.
We work vigorously for freedom and justice for Black people and, by extension, all people.
We intentionally build and nurture a beloved community that is bonded together through a beautiful struggle that is restorative, not depleting.
We are unapologetically Black in our positioning. In affirming that Black Lives Matter, we need not qualify our position. To love and desire freedom and justice for ourselves is a prerequisite for wanting the same for others.
(I have only listed the first five. While I believe the remainder are consistent with the point I'm making, I also recognize they raise additional topics of conversation; so for clarity I have left it to individual readers to follow up on their own.)
You may not agree with all the principles of of the movement or organization. But nonetheless, I ask you to read their principles with a wide-open mind for a moment -- if only just as an exercise in sympathy. The message of Black Lives Matter is stunningly affirmative. It is remarkable in its focus on lives, and recognizing dignity in living.
We should all seek to end the use of brutality and force in policing. We should all seek to extend economic opportunity and power to communities where opportunity and power are limited or absent. Through their values and actions, BLM aspires to build communities that enable those goals. What could be more American than celebrating individuality, freedom and justice?
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