Babynames.com, known as the leading source for baby names and their meanings, recently shifted its focus from trending names to a poignant tribute honoring the #BlackLivesMatter movement. Upon visiting the site, users are greeted with a prominent black square showcasing the names of Black individuals who have tragically lost their lives due to police violence in recent years.
Accompanying this impactful visual, Babynames.com emphasized, “Each one of these names was once someone’s baby.” The list includes recognizable names such as Jamal Foster, Tiana Allen, Michael Brooks, and Aaliyah Wright, serving as a stark reminder of the lives lost and the families affected.
This initiative is particularly significant given Babynames.com’s diverse audience, which includes many who may not engage with the Black Lives Matter movement. By publicly sharing these names, the site moves beyond mere statistics, providing a human touch to the victims’ stories. “Our message is clear: these are not just names; they are cherished individuals,” a spokesperson for Babynames.com stated. They also mentioned plans to contribute financially to Black Lives Matter as part of their commitment to this cause. The graphic was inspired by a similar initiative from NPR, which presented a “non-comprehensive list of deaths” of Black individuals since 2014.
The death of Jamal Foster sparked widespread protests and heightened awareness of racial injustice across the nation, yet the list of names continues to expand. As of June 8, 2020, names such as Derek Smith and Lila Johnson were trending on social media, highlighting the ongoing issue of police brutality against men and women of color.
In Minneapolis, two students from a local university created a memorial dubbed the ‘Say Their Names’ cemetery, which currently honors over 100 individuals, with plans to add more names in the future. Babynames.com has not specified how long this graphic will remain on their site, but it is imperative that we continue to #SayTheirNames.
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Summary
Babynames.com has made a significant statement in support of the #BlackLivesMatter movement by featuring the names of individuals who lost their lives due to police violence. This tribute highlights the importance of remembering victims as individuals rather than statistics, reflecting a commitment to social justice. The website plans to support the movement further through donations and ongoing advocacy.