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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 MartinMichael BrownEric 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.

For Black Women, the Oscars Are About More Than Best Picture

March 16, 2026

The contrast between “Sinners” and “One Battle After Another” shows how Hollywood narratives shape policy, power, and whose lives are valued.

In Chicago, Rev. Jesse Jackson Sr. Is Remembered as a Giant Who Expanded the Meaning of Power

March 2, 2026

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.

Reading the Nation at 250: Who Is Missing From the Story?

February 6, 2026

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.

Alarming Trend Shows Maternal Syphilis Surging in the U.S.

January 28, 2026

A report from the United Negro College Fund said high schools need to do more to introduce students to HBCUs.

FBI agents sue after being fired for kneeling during racial justice protest

December 8, 2025

The former agents argue that kneeling was a way to preserve peace when they were backed against a wall by protestors.

Lessons From a Veteran Black Math Teacher

December 5, 2025

Alexandria Brown didn’t plan on being a math teacher. Eleven years later, here’s what she knows about helping Black students excel.

After 17 Police Bullets Killed This N.C. Mom, a Judge Has Dismissed Her Family’s Case

December 4, 2025

Jada Elizabeth Johnson’s family watched as police ended her life after having previously ignored her calls about an abusive ex.

The City Where the Summer of 2020 Never Really Ended

November 3, 2025

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.

FBI fires agents who kneeled during 2020 racial justice protest

September 27, 2025

The FBI Agents Association’s response accuses the current FBI director, Patel Kash, of breaking the law with this action.

3 Ways to Prevent Suicide Death

September 25, 2025

Word In Black’s health reporter shares three things she’s learned in the last three years of reporting to prevent suicide death.