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As we are one week away from the 2024 presidential election, NewsOne returns with Episode 16 of The Black Ballot, “BLM & The Twitter Megaphone,” exploring the rise of the Black Lives Matter movement and the role of Twitter in modern activism.
Each episode of The Black Ballot dives into how U.S. presidents’ decisions have shaped African Americans’ lives, particularly regarding voting rights and social issues. Episode 16 examines how the murder of Trayvon Martin, followed by the rise of social media, reshaped racial activism and political discourse.
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Trayvon Martin and the Birth of BLM
The killing of Trayvon Martin by George Zimmerman in 2012 deeply polarized the nation. This division mirrored the Rodney King and O.J. Simpson cases of the 1990s but was amplified by social media, especially Twitter. Tess Owen notes, “Twitter became a space for raw outrage and raw anger that wasn’t being filtered through media institutions.” The platform then, allowed open conversations about racism, sparking the #BlackLivesMatter movement.
Twitter’s Influence on Activism
With Twitter’s growth, people found a new tool for mobilization and accountability. Videos of police brutality went viral, spreading the #BlackLivesMatter message globally. However, social media’s influence was not all positive. It also became a breeding ground for misinformation and hate.
Meanwhile, Donald Trump effectively used Twitter to galvanize support, transforming the Tea Party into the MAGA movement. On the positive side, Twitter emphasized the importance of voting, helping users identify key elected officials and hold them accountable.
Insights from Key Commentators
This episode features commentary from Tess Owens, Josiah Bates, Tamika D. Mallory, Tiffany D. Cross, Brittany Packnett Cunningham, and Cynthia Morrison. They discuss Twitter’s role in activism, the rise of BLM, and shifting political dynamics in Black America.
Stay tuned for Episode 16 of The Black Ballot, as the series continues to explore pivotal moments in African American history leading up to the 2024 election
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