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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.
The contrast between “Sinners” and “One Battle After Another” shows how Hollywood narratives shape policy, power, and whose lives are valued.
While Jackson’s moral leadership in the civil rights movement is widely known, speakers and attendees throughout the week emphasized another part of his legacy.
As America prepares to celebrate 250 years of independence, a federal reading initiative reveals a glaring truth: the nation is still telling its story without Black women.
A report from the United Negro College Fund said high schools need to do more to introduce students to HBCUs.
The former agents argue that kneeling was a way to preserve peace when they were backed against a wall by protestors.
Alexandria Brown didn’t plan on being a math teacher. Eleven years later, here’s what she knows about helping Black students excel.
Jada Elizabeth Johnson’s family watched as police ended her life after having previously ignored her calls about an abusive ex.
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.
The FBI Agents Association’s response accuses the current FBI director, Patel Kash, of breaking the law with this action.
Word In Black’s health reporter shares three things she’s learned in the last three years of reporting to prevent suicide death.