Blue Lives Matter

Originating in New York City in December 2014, Blue Lives Matter (BLM), also known by the hashtag #bluelivesmatter,^[1] is a nonprofit organization and current nationwide movement that was created in efforts to help law enforcement officers and their families during their times of need. Blue Lives Matter regularly organizes protests around the deaths of police officers that have fallen on and off duty due to acts of violence. This movement began in the wake of the Black Lives Matter movement that seeks to end the violence towards the black communities.

This BLM organization's mission is to raise awareness and encourage public aid for the needs of police officers, to help police officers assist one another, and to provide a police officer's family with comfort and support as they go through hard times.^[1] This campaign is designed to raise both awareness and money for the families in need. In order to increase awareness nationwide, over three hundred billboards have been posted with the slogan "Blue Lives Matter". Many of these billboards are also accompanied by the hashtag #thankublu, a hashtag many individuals use to show their support for police officers.^[2]

Founding

On December 20, 2014, NYPD officers Rafael Ramos and Wenjian Liu were shot and killed in Brooklyn, New York after being ambushed in their patrol car. Consequently, Sergeant Joey Imperatrice felt "compelled to show support for his brothers and sisters in blue" and handed out bracelets that stated Blue Lives Matter.^[1] With such a big fan base and immense amount of supporters, he decided to turn this movement into a non-profit organization. Today, Blue Lives Matter sells a variety of tee-shirts, Wristbands, coins, patches, and other memorabilia such as flags, to raise money for the families that are going through a tragedy.

Criticism

This movement has seen its share of criticism. Groups such as Black Lives Matter see this as a way to suppress their movement, which is all about finding a way to end police brutality against the African American community. Much criticism has risen through the idea of Blue Lives Matter mocking the idea of Black Lives Matter. Much talk is been spreading through media of Blue Lives Matter speaking out against the Black Lives Matter, masking and speaking over them in a way. Some feel as if they are saying the cops are more important than the public, leading to much controversy.^[3][4][5]

Notable protests and demonstrations

In September 2015, over 100 Los Angeles Police Officers joined other members of the community to participate in a rally in Hollywood to show support for all the hard work and good actions performed by the Police Officers.^[6]

References