Dear Future President,

I am writing to you on a topic that has been an issue as of late. In society today, there is racial tension throughout the United States. With all this tension it is important for the push of the slogan of "All Lives Matter" in order to promote unity and not division of races. This is important to me because I believe the United States should be one nation respecting all walks of life. I understand that many Americans believe the saying “All Lives Matter” is a racist saying, but it is actually the complete opposite.

According to a Fox News article; a student at the University of Houston was suspended for 50 days by the Student Government Association and ordered to attend diversity training over a reference she made about the Black Lives Matter crowd. This occurred after she posted on her social media account saying “Forget #BlackLivesMatter; more like #AllLivesMatter.” This post had no intention on saying that “Black Lives Matter” does not matter, it's saying that everyone matters. Saying “All Lives Matter” in response would suggest to them that all people are in equal danger, invalidating the specific concerns of black people. This is the world that we are a part of now, where people are unjust and we have crooked people in power. We as the people have the responsibility to strive for justice and greatness to help out this nation and all of its issues.

All Lives Matter was never intended to offend anyone or be considered racist. I realize that's not how all people think about it though; some find it offensive or misguided, especially those sympathetic to the Black Lives Matter movement. I just wish people could have an open mind and look at it from a different perspective. “When the phrase “All Lives Matter” is used in response to the BLM movement, it essentially ignores the systemic racism that black people face.” (Kenneally) I am a strong believer in the Black Lives Matters Movement, along with the Blue Lives Matter Movement. It is because I see citizens of the United States as Americans cause that’s all who we are, together as one.

Media has blown up various stories of African American teens being killed, along with killings of law enforcement officers. This is a problem occurring in our society that leads to division between the American people. We often put people into racial categories: white American, African American, Asian American, Native American, Hispanic American. This makes America diverse in many great ways, but aren’t we all just Americans? Why should we have to identify as a certain type of American? I personally believe this is why we need to push the All Lives Matter Movement. It is not because the Black Lives Matter movement doesn’t matter, it's because every life matters to me as a United States citizen. This is why I believe as the leader of our nation you should help promote the true meaning that All Lives Matters for each American.

Respectfully,

Hunter C.