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)’
Missouri judge exonerates Kevin Strickland after serving 43 years for wrongful conviction
Strickland, 62, has always maintained that he was home watching television and had nothing to do with the killings, which happened when he was 18 years old.
Read MoreTexas school investigating after White student attacks Black teacher in viral video
A White student slapped a Black teacher and threw a phone in her direction while cursing and yelling obscenities.
Read MoreYoung Black Men in Philadelphia are Taking Charge in Reducing Gun Violence in Their City
Philadelphia nonprofit ManUpPHL conducted a study on how the gun crisis affects their communities—and how it can change.
Read MoreAhmaud Arbery Murder Trial Day 3: Arbery’s Death Reveals New Details About What Really Happened
Former officers testify that the accused men changed stories, never saw Arbery burglarize any homes and more.
Read MoreBiden commends Milwaukee Bucks for protesting Jacob Blake shooting
The president says the team got others engaged in the political process as a result of taking a stand.
Read MoreFirst responding officer testifies why he didn’t administer first aid to Ahmaud Arbery
Former Glynn County Police Officer Ricky Minshew — now a paper mill worker — says Arbery “appeared to be deceased” when he arrived.
Read MoreMissouri Inmate Finally Gets A Chance At Proving His Innocence After 43 Years
Kevin Strickland had his first hearing on Monday after trying 17 times to get his triple murder conviction overturned.
Read MoreFor Black people, the mental effects of police killings linger
“It’s not a post-traumatic stress disorder or injury because we’re not in a post-racist society. It’s something we have to deal with every day,” one expert said. By Minyvonne Burke, NBC News Michelle Kenney still has nights when she stays up crying over the death of her son, Antwon Rose II, a 17-year-old high school…
Read MoreSpecial News Series: Rising Up For Justice! – Judicial Inquiry Begins in Eric Garner Case, 7 Years After His Death
Former NYPD Officer Daniel Pantaleo has already been disciplined, but some think more public officials should be reprimanded for their role in Garner’s case.
Read MoreCivil rights pioneer Claudette Colvin, who refused to give up bus seat, seeks to expunge record
Colvin’s legal team told CNN it plans to file paperwork to have the now-82-year-old woman’s 1955 arrest record cleared.
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