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)’
Shellie Zimmerman Arrested: George Zimmerman’s Wife Charged With Perjury
The wife of George Zimmerman, who is facing murder charges, has also been arrested after lying to courts about their finances.
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James Byrd, Jr. was walking home from a family celebration when three men offered him and a ride before brutalizing and murdering him.
Read MoreObeying Judge’s Order, Zimmerman Turns Himself In and Is Back in a Florida Jail
A Florida judge revoked George Zimmerman’s bond after discovering the man accused of murdering Trayvon Martin lied about his finances.
Read MoreArtist creates Zimmerman portrait with 12,000 Skittles
One artists has reached for candy to make a point in a recent pointillism piece featuring George Zimmerman, killer of Trayvon Martin.
Read MoreProsecutor charges Zimmerman with second-degree murder
George Zimmerman, who shot and killed Black youth Trayvon Martin, will face charges in a trial according to recent updates.
Read MoreProsecutor in Martin Case Will Alone Determine Its Merits
The fate of high profile legal case that has garnered the attention of millions around the world lies in the hands of a few.
Read MoreWith a Black President, Race Talk Is Harder
Reniqua Allen muses about the difficulties discussing race when even the president’s Black child faces racism.
Read MoreTrayvon Martin, My Son, And The Black Male Code
Jesse Washington explains the conversation he had with his son after hearing a radio story about Trayvon Martin’s murder.
Read MoreHow to Talk to Young Black Boys about Trayvon Martin
In the aftermath of Travyon Martin’s murder, many parents of Black boys must grapple with the fears that their sons might be next.
Read MoreThe Bullet Next Time: An Open Letter to My Unborn Son
Black parents like Ajani Husbands understand the world their Black children, especially sons, will be born into.
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