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)’
NYC to host landmark exhibition honoring Black lives lost to racial injustice
The Say Their Names Memorial, an exhibit dedicated to victims of police violence, will next be displayed in New York City.
Read MoreMSNBC Films Announces ‘Model America’ Documentary Series
Model America will tell the story of one New Jersey community in the aftermath of a Phillip Pannell’s killing by a white police officer.
Read MoreFormer Louisville cop pleads guilty to conspiracy in Breonna Taylor case
Former detective Kelly Goodlet admitted to falsifying a warrant for the police raid of Breonna Taylor’s home, which led to the woman’s death.
Read MoreAfter the rise of BLM, Black students and their families are heading back to HBCUs
The rise of the Black Lives Matter movement coincides with applications to historically black colleges and universities after decades of decline.
Read MoreCops Tied to Breonna Taylor’s Death Arrested and Charged
Federal law enforcement have officially charged former Louisville police officers who were involved in the 2020 death of Breonna Taylor.
Read MoreFOX 13 Investigates: Despite training, SLCPD stands over a stabbing victim instead of giving first aid
Salt Lake City police took 27 minutes to arrive after a 911 call and failed to treat a stabbing victim as he bled out. He later died.
Read MoreThinking of filming a police encounter in Arizona? Make sure it’s not within 8 feet.
A change in Arizona law limits when people can film the police–and the recordings that have become instrumental for police accountability.
Read More‘An unspoken epidemic’: Homicide rate increase for Black women rivals that of Black men
The Guardian analyzed CDC homicide reports to reveal a crisis impacting Black women and girls that is often overlooked by officials.
Read MoreGrand Rapids officer charged with second-degree murder in shooting of Patrick Lyoya, prosecutor says
Patrick Lyoya’s killer was charged with second-degree murder, continuing a trend in cases about police violence against Black citizens.
Read MoreBiden signs police reform executive order on George Floyd anniversary
Two years after George Floyd’s murder, President Biden signed an executive order recognizing calling for police reform to prevent Black deaths.
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