Black Freedom Fighters.
When you read that term, whose faces come to mind?
Harriet Tubman? Frederick Douglass? Martin Luther King Jr? Malcolm X? Rosa Parks?
Each of these individuals fought for social justice during their time and has become an icon for the Black community -- and beyond. They are more than just historical figures we read about in our books. They are symbols of tenacity and bravery made flesh; beacons for unwavering dedication in the pursuit of freedom and equality. And society has honored those contributions through television shows, movies, and collectible Barbie Dolls. They are spoken of with respect.
But what about today's freedom fighters?
What about the individuals and groups who have picked up the mantle their forebears have left behind to continue their fight for equality and social justice? Why isn't our society bestowing them the same types of honor and praise? Why are they painted in such a negative light?
The Black Lives Matter movement that swept the nation over the last decade - first in response to George Zimmerman's acquittal of murdering Trayvon Martin, then later the deaths of Michael Brown and Eric Garner at the hands of the police - is probably the most prolific and well-known movement, thanks to extensive media coverage and the power of the internet.
But was that exposure a double-edged sword? | 
