Black Lives Matter

Black Lives Matter

Logo and flag often used in the Black Lives Matter movement
Date	2013–present
Location	International, largely in the United States
Also known as	Black Lives Matter movement BLM
Cause	Racial discrimination and police brutality against black people
Motive	Anti-racism
Outcome	Multiple mass protests in the United States Impact on popular culture and politics Spread of protests outside the United States Founding of Black Lives Matter Global Network

Black Lives Matter (BLM) is a decentralized political and social movement^[1][2] that aims to highlight racism, discrimination, and racial inequality experienced by black people and to promote anti-racism. Its primary concerns are police brutality and racially motivated violence against black people.^{[3][4][5][6][7]} The movement began in response to the killings of Trayvon Martin, Michael Brown, Eric Garner, and Rekia Boyd, among others. BLM and its related organizations typically advocate for various policy changes related to black liberation^[8] and criminal justice reform. While there are specific organizations that label themselves "Black Lives Matter", such as the Black Lives Matter Global Network Foundation, the overall movement is a decentralized network with no formal hierarchy.^[9] As of 2021^[update], there are about 40 chapters in the United States and Canada.^[1] The slogan "Black Lives Matter" itself has not been trademarked by any group.^[10]

In 2013, activists and friends Alicia Garza, Patrisse Cullors, and Opal Tometi originated the hashtag #BlackLivesMatter on social media following the acquittal of George Zimmerman in the shooting death of African-American teen Trayvon Martin. Black Lives Matter became nationally recognized for street demonstrations following the 2014 deaths of two more African Americans, Michael Brown—resulting in protests and unrest in Ferguson, Missouri—and Eric Garner in New York City.^[11][12] Since the Ferguson protests, participants in the movement have demonstrated against the deaths of numerous other African Americans by police actions or while in police custody. In the summer of 2015, Black Lives Matter activists became involved in the 2016 United States presidential election.^[13]

The movement gained international attention during global protests in 2020 following the murder of George Floyd by Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin.^[14][15] An estimated 15 to 26 million people participated in Black Lives Matter protests in the United States, making it one of the largest protest movements in the country's history.^[16] Despite being characterized by opponents as violent, the overwhelming majority of BLM demonstrations have been peaceful.^[17]

The popularity of Black Lives Matter has shifted over time, largely due to changing perceptions among white Americans. In 2020, 67% of adults in the United States expressed support for the movement, declining to 51% of U.S. adults in 2023.^{[18][19][20][21]} Support among people of color has, however, held strong, with 81% of African Americans, 61% of Hispanics and 63% of Asian Americans expressing support for Black Lives Matter as of 2023.^[18]