![\"\"](\"http:\/\/www.sinclairclarion.com\/home\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/01\/blacklivesmatter.jpg\")
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2014 was a time of hardship for African Americans as the deaths of Mike Brown, Beavercreek’s John Crawford and Eric Gardner, rock the community. With these actions came the saying #BlackLivesMatter that went from the online media to a phrase used by protesters and activists all across the nation.
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\nThe slogan, which let everyone know that black lives are just as important as anyone else\u2019s, got support from countries like Japan, England and South America, but was used most in protest.
\nProtests and demonstrations have been strong from both sides, with some saying that the people involved were responsible for their own actions and neither side weighing on their opinions.
\nAccording to RT.com, demonstrators in St. Louis tried to force their way into their local police precinct, demanding that the police be removed from power.
\nIn New York, about 100 protesters gathered in Times Square during the celebration of the New Year and were overwhelmed by said crowd.
\nIn Boston Copley square, activists and protesters staged what is described as a \u201cdie-in\u201d, where the protesters lie down and pretend to be dead. Protesters carried signs that read \u201cBlack Lives Matter\u201d.
\nThe Clarion had the opportunity to ask Sinclair students about the use of the hashtag and what Black Lives Matter means to them.
\n\u201cAlthough I don\u2019t condone the shootings of innocent people, when protesters begin rioting and destroying public property in retaliation, you are pretty much asking for it\u201d said Alyssa Copley.
\nCaleb Walker said \u201c#BlackLivesMatter is a strong saying, and it needs to be known all over the world\u201d.
\n\u201cIt\u2019s not a black or white thing. It\u2019s a police thing\u201d said Carey Carver.
\n\u201cIt\u2019s not right what the police did but when it comes to rioting and feeling threatened, police have to defend themselves\u201d.
\n\u201cSimply put, if black folks don\u2019t unify, they will die\u201d said Jermaine Tinsley.
\n\u201cWe need to stand together all the time instead of just when a tragedy strikes. It shouldn\u2019t just be black lives because all lives matter.\u201d <\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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