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)’
A Civil War Among Neighbors Over Confederate-Themed Streets
Some Virginians have tired of seeing street names honoring confederates who fought on the side of slavery and racism in their neighborhoods.
Read MoreThe Great Erasure
Despite the initial outpouring of support after George Floyd’s murder, BLM is faltering because of short attention spans and shallow activism.
Read MoreCommunity members express anger over teen’s traffic stop death after officer faces no charges
After Stanley Davis III died during a police interaction, his family and community asked for the officer involved to be terminated. However, the investigation ended without any repercussions.
Read MoreWhat’s Behind the Wave of Convictions for Police and Vigilantes? It’s More Than Woke Jurors.
Thanks in part to the Black Lives Matter movement, trials are seeing different outcomes as prosecutors tackle the impact of racism in crime.
Read MoreTrayvon Martin’s mother: ‘Don’t give up’ fight for justice
10 years after Trayon Martin’s unnecessary and tragic death, his mother encourages activists to continue the fight for Black lives.
Read MoreI’m A Black Doctor. I Got Death Threats For Speaking About Racism — And It Gets Worse.
When Dr. Amanda Calhoun spoke of her experience with racism as a black woman and doctor, she received pushback–and death threats.
Read MoreArtwork from the Black Lives Matter memorial has a new home: the Library of Congress
For months after the 2020 Black Lives Matter protest in Washington DC, signs and posters hung near the White House. The Library of Congress has now added images of some of these works to a digital collection.
Read MoreIn ‘South to America,’ Imani Perry travels below the Mason-Dixon to shed light on the soul of a nation
By Elaina Patton, NBC News In her new book, “South to America: A Journey Below the Mason-Dixon to Understand the Soul of a Nation,” Imani Perry engages with the long literary tradition of writing about one’s travels through the South. Joining writers such as Albert Murray, James Baldwin and V.S. Naipaul, the Alabama native charts…
Read MoreFamily trees fill in the gaps for Black people seeking their ancestral roots
By Curtis Bunn, NBC News Black people have been able to connect with the past and give new agency to their identities through building family trees and researching their family histories. Growing up in Philadelphia, Amber Jackson said she knew so little of her history that she felt disconnected from who she was. “They didn’t…
Read MoreBlack activists say Jan. 6 insurrection was part of white supremacist playbook
By Jessica Floyd, The Grio EXCLUSIVE: Voting rights advocates connect Capitol attack to racial riots throughout history that sought a common goal to strike fear in Black voters and anyone who validated their political power. LaTosha Brown, co-founder of Black Voters Matter received a call from the Federal Bureau of Investigations on Jan. 6, 2021 notifying…
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