“Black Lives Matter” Global Connection

Written by Farida Mohammed and Sesetu Holomisa.

On June 6, 2020, in Hwasun County, South Korea, we gathered with a group of friends and fellow expats living in the Jeollanam-do area to document our support and solidarity with the Black Lives Matter movement and protests in the U.S. Despite the seriousness of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Black Lives Matter Korea group organized a demonstration that followed social distancing recommendations to maximize our voices and show up for such an important issue. People are coming together globally to show their support for George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, Ahmaud Arbery, Sandra Bland, Philando Castile, Tysha Miller, Eric Garner, Natasha McKenna, and countless other victims killed in police custody in the U.S.

New York City. (Gwendolyn Conneally)

What if you saw someone crushing a man’s neck with his knee? What if the man crushing the other man’s neck were a police officer? This is the documented abuse we saw in the case of George Floyd, and this mistreatment of black people is a historic aspect of American history. While these tragic events have always gotten a reaction, it has never been on this scale. The world is watching and standing up to this injustice together.

New York City. (Gwendolyn Conneally)

The Black Lives Matter movement, founded in 2013 in the wake of Treyvon Martin’s death, was the start of a new era of civil rights activism, and with the power of social media, we are increasingly bringing these issues into the light and giving more access to people to learn about them and stand up against racism. American institutional racism is layered with cultural, historical, and social nuances, yet on a human level, it is understandable that it is an injustice to be more likely to be targeted and killed based on the color of your skin. Virtually giving our voice to the larger community of Black Lives Matter activism allows us to stay connected and supportive. It has never been more vital that we post content to strengthen solidarity against the use of lethal force and the systemic racism pervasive still in today’s society.

Because of COVID-19, we cannot join together in large groups, and because we live abroad, we have to find new ways to show support. (Sesetu Holomisa)
Staying connected: Social media allowing us to participate in the revolution. (Sesetu Holomisa)
United at six feet apart. (Farida Mohammed)
Intersectionality: Highlighting the importance of being inclusive of all black lives, and the fact that it is pride month makes it more crucial to highlight the importance of not glazing over members of the LGBTQ community. (Sesetu Holomisa)
South African expats showing support: “What do I think of when I think of police brutality? America, racism, and gender-based violence in South Africa.” – Sesetu Holomisa (Photo: Farida Mohammed)

THE AUTHORS

Farida Mohammed is a professional English teacher with a passion for better understanding social justice issues. She holds degrees in political science and Spanish and is preparing to return to school to continue studying humanities. She enjoys reading and taking hikes on cooler days in the mountains. Please visit BlackLivesMatter.com to learn more about the movement and get involved. Instagram: @summeritacol

Sesetu Holomisa’s hobbies lately include sleeping and living in the alternate universe that she’s created in her mind and creating multiple playlists for the events that take place there. It’s much easier than internalizing and trying to comprehend anything that’s happening in reality. Instagram: @szaholomisa

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