The movement started as a Twitter hashtag #BlackLivesMatter, in the summer of 2013, after the acquittal of the accused in the shooting death of Trayvon Martin. By 2015, the movement Black Lives Matter has become a mainstream grassroots organization fighting for human and Civil rights. It has been able to challenge US politicians and its platform has become one of the main topics for 2016 US Presidential race.
Black Lives Matter was co-founded by three black community organizers: Alicia Garza, Patrisse Cullors, and Opal Tometi, drawing inspiration, for its organization and actions, from the African-American Civil Rights Movement of the 1960s, the Black Power movement of the 1970s, the 1980s black feminist movement, Pan-Africanism, Anti-Apartheid Movement, Hip hop, LGBT social movements and Occupy Wall Street.
Garza, Cullors and Tometi met through "Black Organizing for Leadership and Dignity" (BOLD), a national organization that trains community organizers. After the acquittal of the accused in Trayvon Martin's murder, they strategized on how to respond to the pervasive devaluation of Black lives. Garza wrote a Facebook post titled "A Love Note to Black People" in which she wrote: "Our Lives Matter, Black Lives Matter." When Cullors replied with the hashtag: "#BlackLivesMatter" and Tometi added her support, Black Lives Matter was born..
Black Lives Matter has emerged as one of the best organized groups advocating for Civil Rights, especially denouncing violence against Blacks and Other minorities in the US.
Black Lives Matter started by using social media—including hashtag activism—to reach thousands of people rapidly. Their initial tactics have evolved into direct action to make people uncomfortable enough that they must address the issues.
Black Lives Matter has organized thousands of demonstrations. Beyond demonstrations in political rallies and protests, Black Lives Matter has staged demonstrations at stores and malls across the United States to promote their actions.
Started by three Black Women, Alicia Garza, Patrisse Cullors, and Opal Tometi, Black Lives Matter has become the contemporary Civil Rights Movement. It is now a diverse movement including people from all races, gender, and ethnic groups in the United States of America
