Baby name website shares emotional tribute to black Americans killed by police: 'Each one of these name's was somebody's baby'

'What a thoughtful and painful tribute'

Chelsea Ritschel
New York
Tuesday 09 June 2020 21:29 BST
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BabyNames.com shares powerful statement honouring black people killed by police violence (BabyNames.com)
BabyNames.com shares powerful statement honouring black people killed by police violence (BabyNames.com)

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A baby name inspiration website is being applauded for its powerful statement honouring black people who have been killed by police.

As people around the world continue to protest against police brutality and racism in the United States following the death of George Floyd, many companies have expressed their support for the movement.

This week, BabyNames.com, described as “your #1 source for names and meanings,” joined in the support, changing the homepage of its website to feature a black box that reads: “Each one of these names was somebody’s baby.”

In the box, the company listed the names of dozens of black Americans who have been killed by police or as a result of racist violence, including Emmett Till, Eric Garner, Tamir Rice, Trayvon Martin, Breonna Taylor, Ahmaud Arbery and Floyd.

“BabyNames.com stands in solidarity with the black community. #Blacklivesmatter,” the company concluded at the bottom of the black box.

On social media, the baby name website has been praised for the poignant message.

“Everyone needs to visit BabyNames.com right now,” one person tweeted.

Another shared a screenshot of the website, writing: “This is on BabyNames.com website. I sobbed when I read it. It is incredibly moving.”

At one point, BabyNames.com’s website crashed as people attempted to view the moving tribute.

“I can’t even access BabyNames.com - the site is crashing,” one person wrote. “What a thoughtful and painful tribute.”

The company’s tribute comes after it shared a list of black Americans who have been killed by police earlier in the week with the caption: “Say their names.”

In addition to BabyNames.com, numerous other companies including Nike, Lego and Ben & Jerry’s have shared statements in support of the black community.

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