BLM: Students weigh in on its meaning

Markasa Tucker is a well-known Milwaukee activist fighting for racial equity. After the fatal shooting of Dontre Hamilton by a Milwaukee police officer in 2014, she knew she had to do something. Hamilton is pictured on the pin on her jacket.

Students weigh in on its meaning

Words Shanita Rowsey | Photo & Design Denisse Hernandez

Originally, Diavian Lyons, senior at Mount Mary University, didn’t understand the term “Black lives matter.”

“At first, I didn’t understand why it was just Black lives matter and not all lives matter,” Lyons said.

However, she decided to look into what it truly meant.

“When I realized that it was because of police brutality, I began to join the movement,” Lyons said. “As an African American, the movement now makes me feel strong and powerful.”

On May 25, George Floyd was killed by police. His death caused an uproar all over the world, leading to several protests and riots, including ones in Milwaukee that have taken place almost every day since. The cry of many Black people, angry, frustrated and fed up, brought more awareness to the Black lives matter movement. Awareness surrounding Black lives matter has increased.

Mount Mary students weighed in on their opinions and how it has impacted them.

Lyons said she participated in one of the many protests that have been taking place in Milwaukee.

“It saddens me to know that the people who are here to serve and protect are not fully committed to that mission,” Lyons said. “I just expect better from the police force. Over the summer, I had the opportunity to be a part of the protest when the curfews were put in place. It was fulfilling to be surrounded by my people, fighting for what is right and doing it peacefully.”

Rae Fodor-Law, a junior at Mount Mary, has recently grown to understand the meaning of Black lives matter.

“I believe in the idea that all lives matter, but I understand the focus of Black lives matter,” Fodor-Law said. “It is the current focus because of the current events that are happening in our world.”

In the midst of the protests, Fodor-Law realized the power of her voice.

“This year with heavy protesting and the Black lives matter movement being highlighted, it confirmed for me how my family feels regarding the issue,” Fodor-Law said. “It made me realize that I cannot change the opinions of other people, so I find it best at times to not talk about the issue. During this time, as the protestors were passing my neighborhood, near Mount Mary, I was standing outside

Demonstrators walk through Wauwatosa on Oct. 7 after District Attorney John Chisholm decided not to criminally charge Wauwatosa Police Officer Joseph Mensah for killing Alvin Cole.

of my home in support. It was refreshing to see that my neighbors were supporting, too, which made it easier to express my thoughts around Black lives matter.”

What is Black Lives Matter?

On April 20, 2014, a Starbucks employee called the police on Dontre Hamilton because he was sleeping in Red Arrow Park. He suffered from schizophrenia. When the Milwaukee police officer arrived, he argued with Hamilton, eventually shooting him 14 times. The involved police officer was fired, but not charged for his use of force. This led the family to pursue changes in the way use of force cases are handled in Milwaukee.

“At this moment, I knew I had to do something,” Markasa Tucker, Milwaukee activist, said. “When Maria Hamilton, the mother of Dontre Hamilton, hosted a march, I reached out to her and asked her how I could be of service. I wanted to help bring about change because the senseless death of another Black person was just not right. Hamilton was excited to know that I had genuine interest in the movement to create change.”

This is the moment that changed Tucker’s life forever.

“At this time, I began to seek knowledge on how change can occur in our city regarding this matter,” Tucker said. “(I began to) understand the systematic ways of creating campaigns and being a part of a solution rather than heightening the problem.”

Tucker is heavily involved in creating social change in the state of Wisconsin. In fact, Tucker was just honored by being panted on a mural in Milwaukee for her work in the community.

She wants people to know that there is a difference between the Black Lives Matter organization and the movement.

According to the organization’s website, their mission is to “eradicate white supremacy and build local power to intervene in violence inflicted on Black communities by the state and vigilantes.”

Tucker says it is important to be aware of the issues of inequality that occur daily. Without feeling overwhelmed about the process of learning, a major key to becoming

informed is utilizing available resources.

“Begin to educate yourself through social media, the world newspaper, radio and media outlets to hear what is going on in the world,” Tucker said. “There is no excuse for not seeking knowledge about this issue. Learn to unlearn. There are some things that you have to be willing to unlearn what you thought, to learn the truth. By educating yourself, you keep from committing harm even though you don’t sense it. It is the need to unlearn that makes you aware.”

Everyday Racism

Lyons said she has witnessed racism at her job.

“At my job, I work as a cashier and there have been times where people of different races have put money on the counter instead of in my hand,” Lyons said. “As a person, I try not to take it personally and I want to remain professional, but it is a sign of racism.”

Tucker remembers when she saw white privilege up close.

“I can remember when I was working at Channel 12 news station as a sports reporter for the night shift,” Tucker said. “I was really passionate about my job, but I wanted to move to first shift. In my mind, I didn’t think I would ever get the opportunity to move because no one was leaving. Meanwhile, I did well on my shift and was praised for my amazing work.” It was this job at the Channel 12 news station that opened Tucker’s eyes to the reality of white privilege.

“Soon, someone quit and I was finally able to move to first shift. Shortly after I received my new shift, a white woman was hired,” Tucker said. “This woman was horrible and just wasn’t a good fit for that role. Instead of working with the lady to improve her skills or get rid of her, they moved me. The role that I waited for, (I had) to give up to allow her to have it, even though I had more seniority.”

This experience opened her eyes to the racism that still exists.

“It taught me not to be blinded to what is happening in our world and to educate myself on how to act in the presence of police in the event that I am pulled over,” Tucker said. “It is very important for all races to do their own learning.”

Diavian Lyons, a Mount Mary senior, says the Black lives matter movement makes her feel strong and powerful.

Protesters took to the streets of Wauwatosa on Oct. 7 to protest District Attorney John Chisholm’s decision to not charge Officer Joseph Mensah for killing Alvin Cole, a young black man.