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)’
Caring for the Ancestors’ Land
Artist and activist Bevelyn Afor Ukah is on a mission to relieve food insecurity in the Black community by teaching gardening skills in combination with ancestral teachings.
Read More6 Mississippi ‘Goon Squad’ officers sentenced to 15 to 45 years on state charges for torture of 2 Black men
Ex-officers from Mississippi who brutally tortured two innocent Black men and called themselves the “Goon Squad” were finally sentenced to at least one decade in federal prison.
Read More‘A talented, goofy kid’: family of Ryan Gainer, autistic teen killed by police, speak out
The family of Ryan Gainer, who was killed by police earlier this month, remember his personality in wake of the tragedy.
Read MoreFirst of 6 Mississippi ex-officers sentenced to 20 years for torturing 2 Black men: ‘I’m so sorry … I hate myself for it’
One of six officers who brutally tortured and attempted to murder two Black men officially received his sentence after a highly emotional trial.
Read MoreFamily of man shot dead by police sues officer for ‘excessive and deadly force’
After Devonte Brown was killed by a cop using “excessive and deadly force,” his family and friends seek closure by filing a federal lawsuit against the officer.
Read MoreParamedic gets 5 years in prison for Elijah McClain’s killing in rare case against medical responders
In a first-of-its-kind case, a paramedic has been sentenced for his role in the death of a Black teenager, Elijah McClain.
Read MoreOpinion: What it means to be born Black in Germany
A Black German woman reflects on her feelings of exclusion growing up as one of the only Black people in her German hometown. She received many comments about her heritage that plenty of African Americans and other people of color can relate to as well.
Read MoreThere’s Still Time: 5 Inclusive Ideas to Close Out Black History Month
This article offers insights and advice for businesses on how to close out Black History Month while acknowledging that Black culture should be celebrated everyday.
Read MoreLabor board: Home Depot violated labor law by firing an employee who drew ‘BLM’ on work apron
The labor board finds that a former employee of The Home Depot has a right to organize for better work conditions, including racial equality.
Read MoreFire That Kills 6 Children Puts Focus on ‘Dangerous’ Section 8 Housing
Six young children are dead after a fire was sparked by faulty electrical wiring. The dilapidated conditions the family was living in has caused many people to point the immorality of renting out unsafe section 8 housing.
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