By now you've probably seen them, the signs — large, small, colorful or simply black and white — with the words "Black Lives Matter." They've become a familiar sight since the wave of Black Lives Matter street protests after George Floyd was killed by a now-former Minneapolis police officer. Since then, Americans, some who never protested before, have signaled their support for antiracism efforts by displaying Black Lives Matter signs on their lawn, in store windows, and as banners on churches and community buildings.
But there's also been an angry response to the displays, with many incidents of stolen or vandalized Black Lives Matter yard signs and banners, often accompanied with sinister messages. What has inspired white people, particularly, to post ‘Black Lives Matter’ signs on their property in the first place? And how have some of these local residents responded to the vandalism?
Guests:
Emma Hollander, managing partner of Trina’s Starlite Lounge in Somerville.
Andrea Markarian Jones, World language teacher at Malden Public Schools.
Melanie Brown, software developer and member of the Arlington Human Rights Commission.
