Difficult Dialogue, Perfect Execution

I decided to take a step away from sports and all of its excitement in this post. Maybe its because I'm coming off a sick spell that zapped energy out of me or maybe its because this topic is one that hits pretty close to home for obvious reasons. Or maybe because it was when I read chapters 9 and 10 (OK, most of 9 & 10) It was the first thing that jumped into my head.

For me, I have to believe that Li and Bernoff were amazed by how effectively the #BlackLivesMatter Movement used the Groundswell to mobilize and confront an issue they they thought needed to be brought to the forefront of the American consciousness. First off it begins with a hashtag! And since Champtenr 10 is how to tap the groundswell using twitter, it seemed to be a perfect marriage. While facebook has its advantages of reaching a different kind of demographic, ttwitter seems to be the most effective, instantaneous way to bring the groundswell together and keep them informed.

Posted by Black Lives Matter on Friday, August 2, 2013

After all, a groundswell is a buildup of opinion or feeling in a large segment of the population. And this movement is definitely that. It's amazing really, when you think of it. A mobilization of this kind, truly has no face, no true leader, just individuals gathering together and really pushing their agenda.

Think about it, when the #BlackLivesMatter movement makes news, the same person isn't in front of the camera or releasing a statement to the media, its almost a faceless movement that swept up our country and its being done almost exclusively through social media.

Join #BlackLivesMatter chapters across the state of CA, as we build our team for the #CaravanForJustice pic.twitter.com/nxFMFY0aXW

— Black Lives Matter (@Blklivesmatter) September 30, 2015

Their social media profiles are growing by the day but at last count there are more than 70,000 followers on Twitter and simple search in facebook will bring up arms of the organization from Saint Paul, Minn. to Phoenix, Ariz. and several stops in between.

Locally, they have set up protests in Kelley Square in Worcester and made a mess of the morning commute on Route 93 in Boston.

Nationally, they have made their way into the Presidential candidates consciousness. First they made their way on to stage at a Bernie Sanders event in Seattle and even had Hilary Clinton discussing it at a town hall event.

"Sanders has come a very long way since the first time he was asked about #BlackLivesMatter" http://t.co/5kIJJQ5CFW pic.twitter.com/DtIxC8NMpc

— The New York Times (@nytimes) October 14, 2015

Their effects are so far reaching, there have been spinoffs - first it was #AllLivesMatter, now even local police departments have stated their case.

And now, one of televisions most watched primetime shows will take a look at some of the things that people believe started the movement with what is being considered a groundbreaking episode. Law & Order:SVU will air an episode where an unarmed African-American male was murdered by police officers and will deal with the repercussions that come along with it.

Everyone will be talking about tonight’s new #SVU. Get in on the conversation at 9/8c on @NBC. https://t.co/7BfmZDEk8w

— Law and Order: SVU (@nbcsvu) October 14, 2015

While the topic isn't the easiest to talk about for some and even more difficult for others, the impact of #BlackLivesMatter will not be forgotten by a large majority of those who look back on 2015. I truly believe, even with all of the flaws that may exist with its message, they have used the groundswell like not many have before.