Black Lives Matter and the Black Experience

Originally founded by Opal Tometi, Alicia Garza, and Patrisse Cullors, Black Lives Matter is an organization that began in 2013 in response to the acquittal of the murderer of Trayvon Martin. Since then, Black Lives Matter has since grown into an international, decentralized movement that works to give African American organizers the tools to liberate and empower their communities.

However, there is an important distinction between Black Lives Matter, the organization, and Black Lives Matter, the movement. While the Black Lives Matter organization is a decentralized, global network that works to liberate black communities, the Black Lives Matter movement is a broader message that encompasses the work of many other activists and community organizers that are fighting for racial justice for black communities around the country and around the world. 

In May of 2020, after the egregious murders of George Floyd, Ahmaud Arbery, and Breonna Taylor, among others, mass protests and disruptions erupted across the United States and around the world to counter the violence of police on African American communities. As a result, Black Live Matter chapters and other organizations across the country mobilized to demand justice for the victims of police brutality and accountability for, not only murderous police forces, but also political leaders, companies, and individuals who are complicit in the violence of white supremacy and systemic racism. This Research Guide provides a variety of resources that relate to the Movement for Black Lives, African American History, and organized resistance.