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)’
An Officer Is Charged With Murder. Colleagues Briefly Drop Their Guns.
Tension is rising between London’s Metropolitan Police Service and the public after officers shot an unarmed Black man in London.
Read MoreTrial to begin in death of Elijah McClain, who was injected with ketamine while in a police chokehold
The first of three trials for the two Aurora police officers involved in the death of Elijah McClain has begun.
Read MoreCalifornia’s Congressional Black Caucus Push For Reparations After Poll Shows Voter Opposition
A new poll from the University of California, Berkeley found that a majority of residents oppose Black residents receiving casreparations, even after the state Assembly recommended them.
Read MoreRest In Power Elijah McClain: A Complete Timeline Of Everyone Being Held Accountable In His Death
The officers responsible for Elijah McClain’s death will finally be prosecuted for ending the young man’s life.
Read MoreOhio police release video of fatal police shooting of pregnant 21-year-old Ta’Kiya Young
21-year-old Ta’Kiya Young was accused of stealing groceries. After swearing she was not guilty, she was shot and killed by Ohio police.
Read MoreWhy Racial Violence Keeps Happening: An American Tragedy at the Dollar General
Writer Esau McCaulley pays respect to three Black lives lost in a Dollar General shooting and develops a claim that white supremacy played a major role.
Read MoreNational Black Business Month is a Big Deal for Black Families
Black Business Month allows American consumers to support Black businesses and offers Black business owners a way to build wealth for present and future generations.
Read MoreLittle Rock Will Offer A.P. African American Studies Despite State Objections
Arkansas’ Little Rock School District announced it would continue to offer AP African American studies despite the objections of the state’s Department of Education.
Read MoreFor Black Kids, Sports Set the Stage for Achievement and Joy
Black students who participate in sports are more likely to succeed in their academics as well, which is due to the motivation and work ethic they learn.
Read MoreArkansas Cancels AP African-American History Course ahead of Fall Semester
Arkansas’s Department of Education cancelled a new AP African-American history course, banning it from being worth full course credit for the 2023-2024 year.
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