The Black Lives Matter Movement

Black Lives Matter is a movement that protests violence and systematic racism against African-Americans, especially instances of police brutality against black people. The major goal of BLM is to spread awareness of the unequal treatment of black people in the courts and from law enforcement. BLM was birthed on online social media with the use of the hashtag #BlackLivesMatter in 2013, after the highly controversial trial of George Zimmerman, who is said to have gunned down an unarmed black teenager. Not only was Black Lives Matter birthed on social media, but social networks helped spread the ideals of the movement like wildfire. BLM is now a household phrase and a hot topic of debate. BLM events and protests are organized and advertised using social media, which is the best and fastest way to gain support. Although there hasn’t yet been a final conclusion for the movement, because there is a long trek ahead to spread awareness of violence and injustice against African-Americans. The movement has increased social awareness about problems in the black community and has encouraged immense social outrage against police brutality, not only against black people, but all Americans. It has put a lot of pressure on courts to set examples against police brutality. BLM was also a key factor in rules put in place such as all officers must be wearing a body camera.