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)’
Derek G Handley, author of Struggle for the City, a Boswell event
Boswell Book Company presents an evening with Derek G Handley, author of Struggle for the City: Citizenship and Resistance in the Black Freedom Movement as he discusses strategies of resistance that continue to influence the actions of the Black Freedom Movement, including Black Lives Matter, at this free event.
Read MoreGavin Newsom signs California apology for slavery and discrimination
The governor acknowledges how the state’s involvement in slavery hindered Black individuals and was racially motivated.
Read MoreAmerica’s newest monuments unveil a different look at the nation’s past
The University of Virginia has unveiled a monument dedicated to the Black people who were enslaved to work on the college’s campus in the 1800s. It is titled “Memorial to Enslaved Laborers.”
Read MoreKey federal charges dropped against former LMPD officers behind Breonna Taylor warrant
In a frustrating turn of evens, a judge has lowered the charges against the officers who killed Breonna Taylor after breaking into her home.
Read MoreBiden to designate 1908 Springfield, Ill., race riot site as national monument
The ceremony for the monument will come just over five weeks after the death of Sonya Massey in Springfield.
Read MoreA feeling of stagnation runs through Ferguson, a city once known as ground zero for change
The 2014 death of Michael Brown in Ferguson fomented riots and protests for change. Yet many wonder whether that has happened.
Read More4 hotel employees charged with being party to felony murder in connection with Black man’s death
After D’Vontaye Mitchell was suffocated to death at a Milwaukee hotel, four of the hotel’s employees were charged with his murder.
Read MoreABHM Presents: Unmasked
Unmasked is an art installation reimagining two historic exhibitions of anti-lynching art held in 1935. The installation combines historical artworks and ephemera with contemporary efforts to commemorate the victims of lynching in Indiana, including ABHM founder, Dr. James Cameron.
Read MoreIllinois police release bodycam video of fatal shooting of Black woman in her home
Illinois police tried to cover up the shooting death of a Black woman who called for help with a suspected intruder.
Read More‘I can’t breathe’: Eric Garner remembered on the 10th anniversary of his chokehold death
Eric Garner’s mother, Gwen Carr, continues to mourn the loss of her son in the decade since he was suffocated to death by an NYC police officer. Carr continues to call for police and gun reform in the name of her son.
Read More