The story over the weekend was about a beautiful dress worn by 17-year-old Milan Bolden-Morris to her prom at Pahokee High School. When I saw the dress I was immediately intrigued. It was designed by Florida-based designer Terrence Torrence. It was not only a beautiful dress, it represented so much more for me.

The dress reminded me of the 15 men and women who were killed by police shootings. Trayvon Martin, Sandra Bland, Michael Brown, and others were a part of this beautiful gown. However, the gown is a painful reminder that each person was killed and in my opinion, justice was not served. It was a tragic reminder, yet the beauty of the gown was touching. Our country feels the pain of the victims’ loss and communities are still fighting for justice and yelling Black Lives Matter!!!  We will continue the fight for justice. We should not have to remind society we matter but if we have to we will.

This gown was beautiful and it represented Black Lives Matter in a way that is unique and powerful. I’m in awe of Torrence’s vision and creativity. I want to remember the lives that have been taken, it is important to remember.  We, as a society, have to find a better solution than murdering people for the color of their skin and their perception of a situation. Communication, accountability, and understanding are the keys to change. We have to use all the tools and resources available in a situation rather than pulling the trigger.

What are your thoughts about the dress? How does it make you feel? Let me know your thoughts.

Posted by Damita Miller-Shanklin

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Photo: Google/Toronto Star