Activist Webcomic: Black Lives Matter in the United States

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Black Lives Matter in the United States
Black lives matter is a social movement in the US formed in 2013 to fight racism and anti-black-violence triggered by police brutality (Britannica, 1). The movement was founded by three activists namely; Alicia Garza, Opal Tometi and Trayvon Martin following the brutal murder of unarmed black teenager, Trayvon Martin, in February 2012 in Sanford, Florida (Oxford African American Studies Center, 1). Concerns were particularly raised on the acquittal of George Zimmerman, who shot and killed the victim.
Zimmerman's acquittal triggered national protests due to lack of justice. Many Americans especially the black community expected the suspect to be charged with first degree murder, but was set free (Britannica, 3). During this time, black lives matter became a slogan on social media. It was used to discuss state violence against black people. This movement condemns the unjust killings of African-Americans, given that this ethnic group is more vulnerable to police brutality than whites (Rickford, 35). It also signals the society to value the lives and humanity of blacks the same way it values those of whites.
Impact of Web comics on Black Lives Matter Movement
Web comics are among the significant media used in communication. They combine the benefits of visualization with powerful metaphors and character-driven narratives to make subjects more accessible and engaging for a larger audience (Matteo, 1). Since the formation of the black lives matter movement, web comics have become widely used in communicating the movement (Masvoulas, 36). They impact the way message is passed to the audience by creating a sense of feeling. Police brutality, especially on black people, has been common in the US and has led to the deaths of many African-Americans.
Sometimes, artists find it easier to express their feelings through web comics. Without this medium, they struggle to find words to communicate the feelings about violence and anguish the black community endures (Matteo, 6). Through web comics, it is easier to understan...