Black Lives Matter
Explore Our Online Exhibits
Breaking News
Worldwide Community Events
Week 2
- Sun 30
- Mon 1
- Tue 2
- Wed 3
- Thu 4
- Fri 5
- Sat 6
- Sun 7
- Mon 8
- Tue 9
- Wed 10
- Thu 11
- Fri 12
- Sat 13
- Sun 14
- Mon 15
- Tue 16
- Wed 17
- Thu 18
- Fri 19
- Sat 20
- Sun 21
- Mon 22
- Tue 23
- Wed 24
- Thu 25
- Fri 26
- Sat 27
- Sun 28
- Mon 29
- Tue 30
- Wed 31
- Thu 1
- Fri 2
- Sat 3
-
No Events
-
No Events
-
No Events
-
No Events
-
No Events
Share
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.
Alexandria Brown didn’t plan on being a math teacher. Eleven years later, here’s what she knows about helping Black students excel.
Read More
Jada Elizabeth Johnson’s family watched as police ended her life after having previously ignored her calls about an abusive ex.
Read More
While the city hasn’t forgotten George Floyd, many have moved on from their push to defund the police, as evidenced by the mayoral election.
Read More
The FBI Agents Association’s response accuses the current FBI director, Patel Kash, of breaking the law with this action.
Read More
Word In Black’s health reporter shares three things she’s learned in the last three years of reporting to prevent suicide death.
Read More
Students who attended the vigil to support the campus community shared that while they were glad people could come together, they still had questions about what happened on their campus.
Read More
A risk of bias by the original judge may have compromised the ruling, leading to a second judge ordering a new trial.
Read More
Loved ones report that the teen was in a good mood before being arrested for a fight and allegedly taking her own life.
Read More
Over 300 children and adults are currently on a waitlist to receive heart surgery in the US, some of whom may die whle waiting.
Read More
Thousands of activists protested after George Floyd’s murder, and many of them bear the scars five years later.
Read More