By keely aouga
In addition to celebrating Black History Month every February, we also celebrate Black Lives Matter Day.
Even though the movement gained large momentum in 2020 following the killing of George Floyd, the initiative took off in 2013 after Trayvon Martin tragically lost his life.
The founders ramped up their efforts in the following years as the issue of police brutality continued to escalate with the deaths of dozens more Black Americans.
During Labor Day weekend in 2014, two founders, Darnell Moore and Patrisse Cullors, organized a national caravan called the Black Life Matters Ride.
Shortly after, a plan of action was developed, gathering over 600 people to occupy the territory of St. Louis to support those in demonstration.
There was a clear need for the continued organizing and building of Black power across the country. In response, the Black Lives Matter Global Network infrastructure was created.
The Black Lives Matter Global Network was recognized worldwide due to those who put their bodies on the line.
The 2020 Black Lives Matter protests were demonstrations against police brutality and racial injustice.
This series of protests began in Minneapolis, Minnesota after the murder of George Floyd.
The protests were one of the largest movements of their kind in the United States' history.
From England to Canada and across the globe, protesters echoed the voices of concerned Americans.
Following the growth of the movement, people falsely accused Black Lives Matter of having ties to terrorism and communism.
The movement believes is fighting for a future which invests in justice, joy and culture. Those in support of BLM continue to work towards Black liberation everywhere.