What Is The Black Lives Matter Movement?
The BLM movement began in response to George Zimmerman's acquittal in July of 2013 for the murder of Trayvon Martin, a Black 17 year-old in 2012. The movement was founded by three powerful Black women, Alicia Garza, Patrisse Cullors and Opal Tometi, two of whom identify as queer. Their project tag #BlackLivesMatter began trending online widely in the wake of the acquittal. Since its beginning, the movement has spread across the country with over 40 official chapters. Despite the creation of these chapters and the Black Lives Matter Global Network, the BLM movement is decentralized and focused on grassroots organizers. The phrase Black Lives Matter is not trademarked by any one group. Thus, like many other groups across the country, we use the name to show that we hold the same values and goals as that of the original movement and official chapters within the global network. Read more about the founding of BLM by clicking the link to the global network website below!
Black Lives Matter in Los Angeles
Black Lives Matter Los Angeles was the first chapter to be formed in what is now the BLM global network. They are also one of the largest and most active chapters! Since 2013 they have been fighting for the rights and liberty of all Black people through an impressive array of actions and teams. Read more about their history and current work by clicking the link below! Also follow them to stay up-to-date on when their general meetings are (please note meetings are open to all members of the general public, but only Black individuals are allowed to become official members).
White People 4 Black Lives
Learn how to be an ally and how to navigate Black Lives Matter activism as a white person.
"White People 4 Black Lives (WP4BL) is a white anti-racist collective and activist project. We operate within a national network of white anti-racists called Showing Up for Racial Justice (SURJ). Our work is rooted in showing up for racial justice and acting in alliance with Black Lives Matter: Los Angeles, the Movement 4 Black Lives, and other partners."