Challenges to Philanthropy

Arts in the Black Lives Matter Movement

Art plays a substantial role in civil movements. Artistic expression is used to empower change and insight people into thought. The killing of George Floyd, Brianna Taylor and others at the hands of police sparked racial tension throughout America and the rest of the world. Even during the time of a national pandemic, activists took to the streets. Welding signs, cans of spray paint and ripping down statues of racist historical figures. Those in support of the movement use visual art to make their voices heard!

Murals 


 Murals serve as cautionary tales; a reminder to the public of past injustices. However, murals are also a powerful tool to conjure conversation of current injustices; as seen by the BLM movement. On June 20, 2020, graffiti artists Stamy Paul and Ricky Smith gathered a group of spray paint artists and activists to create the Black Lives Matter street mural. On the road of East 93rd Street, each letter of “Black Lives Matter” was spray painted in bold letters with a kaleidoscope of hidden artwork and messages within each letter. 

Stamy Paul is also the creator of Graffiti HeArt, an organization in Cleveland, Ohio that works to provide young artists opportunities to express themselves through their artwork. Graffiti HeArt provides educational scholarships and generates commissions through donors. Graffiti HeArt played a prominent role in the creation of the Black Lives Matter street mural and continues to empower the youth and embrace social justice through their artwork.

Protests 

Even during times of a national pandemic, activists could not help but take to the streets to protest the racial injustice (masks on of course). In a poll done by CNN, it was found that by mid June over 21 million adults had attended a Black Lives Matter or police brutality protest.  Usage of signs made the intentions of the activists clear. Protestors of all ages held signs with messages such as “Black Lives Matter”, “No Justice No Peace” and “Defund the Police”. Primarily made out of cardboard and a sharpie, the signs were simple, concise and effective.

Protestors not only used signs to express their message but also their voices. Chants rang loud through crowds of hundreds of protestors. These chants were often led by a drummer or activist leading a call and response to keep the protestors in sync. These chants delivered a message that cannot be missed: we demand to be heard. 

Below are the transcriptions of a few popular chants that can be heard at a BLM march. 

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