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)’
Special News Series: Rising Up For Justice! – There are proven ways to keep protests peaceful. Trump is doing the opposite.
Donald Trump has called on local and state officials to crack down as harshly as possible on BLM protests throughout the nation. Experts say that Trump’s rhetoric and actions inflame tensions and escalate protests further, instead of keeping the peace.
Read MoreSpecial News Series: Rising Up For Justice! – ‘Kettling’ of demonstrators at protest could end up costing taxpayers millions
An international organization whose work advocating for refugees, political prisoners and victims of violence worldwide said Wednesday the NYPD intentionally and illegally carried out a massive attack on peaceful protesters. The event could end up costing taxpayers big time.
Read MoreSpecial News Series: Rising Up For Justice! – CA to study, consider reparations for Black residents after landmark law passed
California has become the first state to adopt a law that requires a study of how the state could provide reparations to Black residents and the descendants of slaves.
Read MoreSpecial News Series: Rising Up For Justice! – Workers at major chains are taking legal action in fight over employees’ right to wear BLM masks
Companies typically have latitude to determine dress codes, enforcing bans on Black Lives Matter gear can make corporate statements against racism look “insincere and performative.”
Read MoreSpecial News Series: Rising Up For Justice! – Cars have hit BLM demonstrators 104 times since George Floyd protests began
There have been over 100 incidents of people driving vehicles into protests from May 27 through Sept. 5, including 96 by civilians and eight by police, according ta terrorism researcher at the University of Chicago’s Project on Security and Threats.
Read MoreSpecial News Series: Rising Up For Justice! – Website helps people with illnesses and disabilities participate in BLM protests
The website, Public Public Address helps people with illnesses and disabilities participate in these protests and make their voices heard without putting their lives at risk.
Read MoreSpecial News Series: Rising Up For Justice! – New survey says white support for BLM has slipped. Some historians say they’re not surprised.
Earlier this summer thousands of Americans spilled into the streets over the deaths of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, and Ahmaud Arbery, and sparked an outcry against racism not seen in this country for decades. But recent polling suggests white support for the Black Lives Matter movement has slipped.
Read MoreSpecial News Series: Rising Up For Justice! – Kenosha protesters sue Facebook and armed men they say helped incite violence
Four people who were protesting in Kenosha the night of Aug. 25, including the girlfriend of a man who was killed by Kyle Rittenhouse during the unrest, have sued Facebook and three armed men they say fomented violence through social media.
Read MoreSpecial News Series: Rising Up For Justice! – CA city announced $4 million settlement over police shooting of mentally ill Black man
Walnut Creek, California announced a $4 million settlement of a federal lawsuit with the family of Miles Hall, a 23-year-old Black man who was shot by police last year while having a mental health episode.
Read MoreSpecial News Series: Rising Up For Justice! – Threats To Pull Federal Resources From Cities Because Of BLM Protests Are Damaging
Making threats to pull federal resources from cities does nothing to help those communities impacted by police violence, and could be especially harmful to the safety of these communities which are already facing budget deficits due to COVID-19.
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