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)’
New York City agrees to pay $13 million to 2020 racial injustice protesters in historic class action
The result of this case about false arrests of Black Lives Matter activists could be a turning point for the movement.
Read MoreInternational News: Riots in France Highlight a Vicious Cycle Between Police and Minorities
France is being torn apart by riots as protestors fight back against persistent police brutality toward Black citizens.
Read MoreRev. Frederick Haynes III to take over Rainbow PUSH Coalition leadership from Rev. Jesse Jackson
The Rev. Frederick Douglass Haynes III is to become president of the Rainbow PUSH Coalition, taking over after former president Rev. Jesse Jackson stepped down.
Read MoreThe Rev. Jesse Jackson steps down as leader of civil rights group he founded in 1971
The Rev. Jesse Jackson announced his plans to step down as president of the Rainbow PUSH Coalition, a Chicago-based civil rights group he founded in 1971.
Read MoreJustice Dept. to Investigate Georgia Jail Where Inmate Died Covered in Lice
When 35-year-old LeShawn Thompson died in prison after being malnourished and neglected, the government launched an investigation on Georgia’s Fulton County Jail to evaluate living conditions.
Read MorePreeclampsia in Pregnancy Puts Black Women at Higher Risk for Stroke
A new study by the American Heart Association conducted over 25 years looks into high rates of preeclampsia for pregnant Black women and how it connects to the risk of stroke.
Read MoreOPINION: The Next Battle Over Colorblindness Has Begun
University of Chicago professor Sonja B. Starr analyzes the fallout of SCOTUS’ ruling against affirmative action and makes her own predictions on what’s to become of legal equity.
Read MoreLawsuit seeking reparations for Tulsa Race Massacre is dismissed
A lawsuit seeking reparations to address historical damage done by the 1921 Tulsa Massacre has been dismissed, as the survivors failed to provide proof of “individualized injury.”
Read MoreSupreme Court unfreezes Louisiana redistricting case that could boost Black voting power before 2024
SCOTUS has lifted its hold on a Louisiana political remap case, increasing the chances that the state will have to create another majority-Black congressional district.
Read MoreHow It Feels to Have Your Life Changed By Affirmative Action
The expectation that the U.S. Supreme Court will soon end or limit race-conscious admissions is causing anxiety for prospective students of color.
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