Black Lives Matter, sometimes shortened to “BLM,” is an anti-racist movement that highlights racism and the disparities that evolve from racism, including police brutality and other anti-Black violence. Black Lives Matter gained popularity online after the murder of George Floyd by a Minneapolis police officer was recorded and shared by a bystander. In response to the video, which shows officer Derek Chauvin kneeling on Floyd’s neck for 8 minutes and 46 seconds, protests erupted around the world. These protests were often met with police violence, some of which has been declared illegal while protestors have been falsely arrested.
The momentum continued to draw attention to police violence, both as more Black lives were taken and as previous stories came to light. Trayvon Martin, Michael Brown, Eric Garner, and Breonna Taylor are also victims who the movement has recognized. Thanks to the attention given to these cases, some of the perpetrators have finally faced justice, including Derek Chauvin, who has been convicted with murder.
BLM also encouraged police reform and greater investigations into policing, with some activists calling for reparations or to defund the police and reroute funds to other social programs that may be more effective. The movement has further brought attention to international conflict and raised funds during the COVID-19 pandemic. In some ways, the movement reflects the previous Civil Rights Movement, which lasted through the 1960s to 1980s including the Black Panther Party, which provided community assistance. Because of this, the movement has been recognized for its historical significance.
However, the movement has come under fire for protests that turned violent, for focusing too much on Black men, and for mismanaging funds raised.
A nonprofit organization, The Black Lives Matter Global Network Foundation, also exists. Some people may refer to it as simply “Black Lives Matter.”
See all of our Black Lives Matter content below, starting with the most recent.
Posts Tagged ‘Black Lives Matter (BLM)’
California police kill double amputee who was fleeing: ‘Scared for his life’
Anthony Lowe’s family want justice for his death at the hands of California police when he posed no threat from his wheelchair.
Read MoreMemphis police Scorpion unit is permanently deactivated after Tyre Nichols’ death
After members of the Memphis Police Department street crime unit murdered Tyre Nichols, the unit has been disbanded.
Read More5 Black officers beat Tyre Nichols. Black Memphis residents say it’s heartbreaking yet familiar.
The recent death of Tyre Nichols at the hands of Black officers shines a light on institutionalized racism.
Read More5 ex-Memphis police officers are charged with murder in Tyre Nichols’ death
5 former Memphis police officers will head to trial for their role in the death of Tyre Nichols, who passed three days after a traffic stop.
Read MoreDOJ opens civil rights investigation into traffic stop that preceded Tyre Nichols’ death
The Department of Justice is among several organizations that have opened investigations into the death of Tyre Nichols after a traffic stop.
Read MoreFamily of Memphis man who died after traffic stop ask police to release video
The family of Tyre Nichols is demanding to see police footage of the traffic stop that led to the young man’s death.
Read MoreOutrage mounts in D.C. after man fatally shoots boy, 13, he suspected was breaking into cars
A man who fatally shot a young Black boy in Washington, D.C., might face charges for the boy’s death during an “interaction.”
Read MoreThe art of the denial
Racism deniers fall back on several tropes to justify their ignorance of an issue that colors the lives of millions of people every day.
Read MoreEx-officer Aaron Dean sentenced to more than 11 years in prison in the death of Atatiana Jefferson
Aaron Dean, who killed Atatiana Jefferson, is the least former officer to be convicted of anti-Black violence while in the line of duty
Read MoreViral video shows Black N.C. college student being led out of class in handcuffs after a dispute with her professor
A Black female student was arrested during a class at Winston-Salem State University, where she and the teacher had a disagreement.
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