BLM creates a forum for people to unite against racism

The Black Lives Matter organization is important to American citizens because it provides a place to unite against racism. Additionally, the organization allows its supporters to strategize ways to not only push back against racism but raise awareness concerning racism too. Raising awareness can lead to the formation of new and local organizations as well as calls for structural reform. In small towns like Chambersburg, Virginia, this united activism manifested itself with the formation of an organization known as Racial Reconciliation and having discussions regarding issues such as redistricting reform. ^[1] The NBA walkout following the shooting of Jacob Blake is another instance that shows the BLM organization's effectiveness in uniting people against racism. ^[2] As a result of the players walking out on the scheduled basketball game, they were able to affect change since the players were able to negotiate the terms of their return. The action also prompted the NBA to stand with the players in solidarity, raising awareness on the issues of police brutality and racism against black people in statements acknowledging these issues. Since the BLM organization promotes activism against racism, one can argue that the organization’s mere presence inspired the activism demonstrated by the NBA players. This achievement attests to their importance as a societal platform for American citizens to rally against racism.