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)’
6 ex-officers, some of whom called themselves ‘The Goon Squad,’ plead guilty to state charges in torture of 2 Black men
Six former Mississippi police officers pleaded guilty Monday to all charges concerning the torture and abuse of two Black men.
Read MoreThe Healing Power of Black Joy Marches in Chicago
Every August, the Bud Billiken Parade in Chicago enables the Black community to unabashedly celebrate their rich culture.
Read MoreBoston man files lawsuit seeking to bankrupt white supremacist group he says assaulted him
A Black man beat with metal shields by a white supremacist group during a march through Boston last year sued the organization on Tuesday.
Read MoreBrawl erupts in Montgomery after white boaters attack Black city worker
Multiple people were arrested in Montgomery, AL after a fight broke out between a group of white men and an innocent Black worker on the city’s riverfront.
Read MoreMore teachers are quitting their jobs. Educators of color often are more likely to leave
Teachers of color are finding it more difficult to stay in a career becoming more political with often inadequate pay and no room for creativity.
Read MoreJudge blocks Arkansas law allowing librarians to be charged over ‘harmful’ books
Arkansas is blocked from enforcing a law that would have allowed criminal charges for providing “harmful” books to minors.
Read More‘I thought I was going to lose my life’: Jadarrius Rose describes being attacked by police dog in Ohio
Jadarrius Rose speaks out about the horror of having a police dog unleashed onto him after being pulled over for a safety issue concerning his commercial semi-truck.
Read MoreThis Condition Makes You 75% More Likely to Get Long COVID
Research shows that sleep apnea, common in the Black community, is making people more susceptible to long COVID.
Read MoreA Cornel West Candidacy? The Stakes Are Too High to Ignore Political Reality
As another high-stakes election season approaches, many worry about the effects of a strong third-party presidential candidate like Cornel West.
Read MoreBiden to Create Monument to Emmett Till Amid Fights Over Black History
President Biden is to establish a monument honoring Emmett Till and his mother Mamie Till-Mobley. He launched this project at an important time– during a divisive political battle over teaching Black history.
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