Black Lives Matter Movement
Social movementAbout
The Black Lives Matter (BLM) movement is a decentralized, grassroots social movement that emerged in the United States in 2013. It was founded by Alicia Garza, Patrisse Cullors, and Opal Tometi following the acquittal of George Zimmerman in the shooting death of Trayvon Martin. BLM focuses on combating systemic racism and police brutality against Black people, advocating for the recognition of their lives and humanity. The movement gained national attention after the deaths of Michael Brown and Eric Garner in 2014 and has since become a global force, organizing protests and campaigns against racial injustice. BLM has significantly influenced public discourse and policy changes, including police reform and racial justice legislation. The movement has normalized the documentation of police brutality through social media and has shifted public opinion on racial issues. It has also inspired policy changes such as implicit bias training and the use of body-worn cameras by police. Despite facing backlash, BLM continues to push for systemic change, advocating for a broader reimagining of justice and equality for Black communities worldwide.
