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)’
Reimagining the police
One organization is exploring alternatives to police responding in emergency situations where their presence might traumatize citizens.
Read MoreBLM sets up student relief fund as loan forgiveness stalls
With the future of President Biden’s student loan forgiveness plan uncertain, one BLM organization is offering debt relief to Black students.
Read MoreFormer officer who kneeled on George Floyd’s back gets 3.5-year prison term
A Minneapolis police officer who was involved in the murder of George Floyd has been sentenced for his responsibility in the victim’s death.
Read MoreThreats to protesters in Emmett Till rally prompt cancelation of Christmas parade in Kentucky
Two holiday events have been canceled in one Kentucky city after threats directed at a nearby Emmett Till event were received.
Read MoreA White Father and Son Allegedly Tried to Kill a Black FedEx Driver. Did Cops Go Easy on Them?
These care against two white men who harassed and assaulted a FedEx driver earlier this year may not have been investigated properly.
Read MoreAtlanta to pay $1M to Rayshard Brooks’ family after deadly police shooting
The family of Rayshard Brooks, who died after a police shooting, will receive compensation from the city of Atlanta.
Read MoreAt Least 32 Transgender People Were Killed This Year In The US. Most Of Them Were Black.
Being Black and trans can put people at a higher risk of hate crimes, including those that involve bodily harm and murder.
Read MoreFamily of Detroit man killed by police during mental health crisis sues city and 5 officers for $50 million
Porter Burks lost his life after police fired upon him over three dozen times after responding to a mental health check.
Read MoreFormer Minneapolis officer pleads guilty in George Floyd killing
Another of Derek Chauvin’s police compatriots, J. Alexander Kueng, has pleaded guilty in the 2020 death of George Floyd.
Read More‘Till’ lays bare a palpable fear of Black mothers in white America
In Tinubu’s opinion, the new movie ‘Till’ sheds light on the plight of Black mothers who want to protect their children from racism.
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