Black Lives Matter Movement
Social movementAbout
Black Lives Matter (BLM) is a decentralized social movement that emerged in 2013, primarily focused on combating racial injustice and police brutality against Black people. It was founded by Alicia Garza, Patrisse Cullors, and Opal Tometi following the acquittal of George Zimmerman in the shooting death of Trayvon Martin. The movement gained national attention after the deaths of Michael Brown and Eric Garner in 2014. BLM uses social media and protests to raise awareness about systemic racism and advocate for policy reforms. BLM has expanded globally, with chapters in the U.S., Canada, and the U.K. It supports various causes, including LGBTQ rights, feminism, and economic justice. The movement's decentralized structure allows local chapters to organize their own campaigns. BLM's impact includes increased public dialogue on racial inequality and police reform, leading to changes in police practices and policy discussions worldwide. The movement continues to address broader issues of racial profiling and economic inequality, seeking to empower Black communities and challenge systemic injustices.
