HISTORY
The Black Lives Matter (BLM) movement was created to raise awareness about the many forms of racism that take place in today’s society. Like many previous protests and movements such as The Montgomery Bus Boycott and the Civil Rights Movement - there was a spark that ignited in Black people, and their allies, to stand up and demand change. For BLM, this spark was the murder of an unarmed Black boy by the name of Trayvon Martin. He was killed by George Zimmeran for no reason, while walking home with some candy. To add insult to injury, Zimmerman was acquitted and justice was not served. This was the spark for Alicia Garza, Patrisse Cullors, and Opal Tometi. These three women knew that there needed to be light brought to this situation - and so, the hashtags #BLACKLIVESMATTER and #BLM were created. These hashtags have since turned into an organized global movement that work to highlight and combat, systemic racism, anti-Black racism and discrimination faced by Black, Indigenous and People of Colour (BIPOC). Black Lives Matter has acted as a hub and central resource for all those involved in the fight for equality and freedom in the BIPOC communities. |