Black Lives Matter, The Message, The Movement and the Brand

As the owner of a small business, I try not to get political on my blog. At the same, time as a human, a business owner, a woman, a white woman, I must take stand as well.

I grew up in a relatively diverse population in CA, but still very ‘white’ (I hate that word, we’re European descent, not white.) or Asian community, with only 2% of my hometown being African American. However, in the East Bay there was a lot more diversity in the wider region than I now see in Eugene, Oregon.

Black Lives Matter, and that doesn’t mean other lives don’t matter. It just means, that at the moment they are the ‘house that is on fire’ figuratively speaking, and that is where the most focus needs to be. Of course all lives matter. But our society doesn’t treat them that way. As a woman, I don’t walk alone or in the dark for fear of being raped, but I’m not afraid that every action could be taken the wrong way to lead to my death (by police or other forces).

Growing up as a first generation American, with New Zealand parents, and Dutch grandparents and relatives, I have an international view of the world rather than one restricted by the societal beliefs that have been passed down in America for generations. However, I know that I am not immune to split second assumptions, or even racist thoughts and actions. All I can do is do my best in every moment. Do my best to right wrongs as I see them and to be there if I ever feel that there is racism going on.

In my research, I found it interesting how the Black Lives Matter is treated as a brand and wanted to share this article. Brands are the representation of a company and brands are also how others view that company, or even us!

Since Black Lives Matter is a social movement and not a brand, here’s a look at how branding rules apply to them. Their brand could also be appropriated and hijacked by those who don’t really follow the cause.

Black Lives Matter, The Brand is an in-depth article by Fast Company on how the brand has evolved and how they work to maintain its integrity.

Black Lives Matter, website for more information

About Black Lives Matter

The Black Lives Matter Brand

The Black Lives Matter logo is a wordmark, using text in a particular layout and font, to represent their movement. This ensures that it is powerful, and easy to be used in different formats, sizes and media.

As a social movement, they have also had growing pains as different causes or focuses have tried to appropriate the name and movement. However, it has grown to become a social movement.

“We spend a lot of time—too much time, in my opinion—really trying to counter this narrative that isn’t ours because somebody irresponsibly used a piece of our design to further their own political goals.” (Black Lives Matter, The Brand)

I want this blog to be a chance to reflect on what is currently going on in our world and how to address it. We can’t just keep going on as we have. However, society won’t be able to change instantly. We need to approach this situation with love and compassion and respect. Respect for others and their lives. As white woman, I know that I have a lot to learn in this category to combat racism and to support my friends and family who have a different skin color. The color of our skin…

Wishing you lots of love and healing and hope!