
Black Lives Matter Protests
Social movementAbout
Black Lives Matter (BLM) is a decentralized social movement that emerged in 2013 to address systemic racism and police brutality against Black people. It began with the hashtag #BlackLivesMatter following the acquittal of George Zimmerman in the death of Trayvon Martin. The movement gained momentum after the deaths of Michael Brown in Ferguson and Eric Garner in New York City, leading to widespread protests and calls for justice. BLM advocates for policy changes in criminal justice and black liberation, using social media to mobilize support. The movement has become global, with protests against racial violence and inequality. In 2020, the murder of George Floyd sparked massive demonstrations worldwide, demanding reforms in policing and racial justice. BLM's decentralized structure allows diverse voices to be heard, focusing on issues like police accountability and systemic reform. Despite challenges, the movement has shifted public discourse on racial inequality, inspiring both legal and policy changes across the U.S. and internationally.