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Black Lives Matter

Introduction

This guide to resources on the Black Lives Matter movement is intended to be a collaborative project among UDC students, faculty, and staff that will add more materials and references over time. Please email ask@udc.libanswers.com with recommended additions or edits to this guide!   

Origins

"Black Lives Matter is a global, chapter-based, member-led movement that began as a hashtag, a response to the acquittal of Trayvon Martin's murderer, George Zimmerman. #BlackLivesMatter was the social media rallying cry of three black radical organizers, Alicia Garza, Patrisse Cullors, and Opal Tometi. According to blacklivesmatter.com, 'Black Lives Matter is an ideological and political intervention in a world where Black lives are systematically and intentionally targeted for demise. It is an affirmation of Black folks’ humanity, our contributions to society, and our resilience in the face of deadly oppression.'" - The Encyclopedia of African-American Writing

Black Lives Matter co-founder Alicia Garza wrote about the origins and foundations of the movement in A Herstory of the #BlackLivesMatter Movement.   

Hashtags

Use these hashtags to find information on social media on Black Lives Matter:

#BlackLivesMatter

#BlackTransLivesMatter

#CiteBlackWomen

#DefundPolice

#SayHerName