-
Use Cases
-
Resources
-
Pricing
Black Lives Matter Movement Timeline
(July 13, 2013 – Present)The Black Lives Matter (BLM) movement is a decentralized political and social movement that campaigns against police brutality, systemic racism, and racially motivated violence against Black people. Founded in 2013 by Alicia Garza, Patrisse Cullors, and Opal Tometi following the acquittal of George Zimmerman in the shooting of Trayvon Martin, the movement gained global prominence through hashtag activism and mass protests, particularly after the deaths of Michael Brown, Eric Garner, George Floyd, and Breonna Taylor. More Less
Origins and Founding
George Zimmerman acquitted in Trayvon Martin shooting
Jul 13, 2013
The acquittal of George Zimmerman, who fatally shot unarmed Black teenager Trayvon Martin in Florida, sparked outrage across the United States. The verdict became the catalyst for the creation of the Black Lives Matter movement, as activists sought to respond to what they saw as a pattern of injustice against Black Americans.
Image source: Killing of Trayvon Martin
#BlackLivesMatter hashtag created by Alicia Garza
Jul 15, 2013
In response to the Zimmerman verdict, activist Alicia Garza posted a Facebook message declaring 'Black lives matter,' which Patrisse Cullors transformed into the #BlackLivesMatter hashtag. Together with Opal Tometi, the three women founded the Black Lives Matter movement as a decentralized network advocating against police violence and systemic racism.
Image source: Black Lives Matter
First Black Lives Matter protest held in New York City
Jul 17, 2013
Days after the Zimmerman verdict, hundreds of protesters gathered in Union Square in New York City for one of the first demonstrations organized under the Black Lives Matter banner. The march marked the beginning of a wave of protests that would spread to cities nationwide.
Movement for Black Lives convenes first conference
Jul 24, 2015 - Jul 26, 2015
The inaugural Movement for Black Lives conference was held in Cleveland, Ohio, bringing together more than 1,000 activists from dozens of organizations. The gathering helped formalize a broader coalition beyond Black Lives Matter and laid groundwork for coordinated policy demands.
Image source: Black Lives Matter
BLM Global Network Foundation formally established
Nov 30, 2016
The Black Lives Matter Global Network Foundation was incorporated to serve as the institutional arm of the movement, supporting chapters across the United States and internationally. The organization would later become central to fundraising and advocacy efforts.
Image source: Black Lives Matter Global Network Foundation
Protests and Demonstrations
Eric Garner dies after NYPD chokehold arrest
Jul 17, 2014
Eric Garner died in Staten Island, New York after being placed in a chokehold by NYPD officer Daniel Pantaleo during an arrest. Video of the incident showing Garner repeatedly saying 'I can't breathe' went viral and became a powerful symbol of police brutality embraced by the movement.
Image source: Killing of Eric Garner
Death of Michael Brown sparks Ferguson unrest
Aug 9, 2014
Michael Brown, an unarmed Black teenager, was shot and killed by police officer Darren Wilson in Ferguson, Missouri. His death ignited days of protests and clashes with police, drawing national attention to police violence and militarized policing and making 'Hands up, don't shoot' a rallying cry for the movement.
Image source: Killing of Michael Brown
National March on Washington against police violence
Dec 13, 2014
Thousands of demonstrators marched in Washington, D.C. in the Justice for All March, organized following the grand jury decisions not to indict officers involved in the deaths of Michael Brown and Eric Garner. Similar marches took place in other cities, demonstrating the growing national reach of the movement.
Image source: ...And Justice for All (album)
Death of Freddie Gray triggers Baltimore uprising
Apr 19, 2015 - May 3, 2015
Freddie Gray died from injuries sustained while in Baltimore police custody, sparking widespread protests and civil unrest in the city. Six officers were charged in connection with his death, and the uprising intensified national scrutiny of police treatment of Black residents.
Image source: Killing of Freddie Gray
Sandra Bland found dead in Texas jail cell
Jul 13, 2015
Sandra Bland was found hanged in her jail cell three days after being arrested during a traffic stop in Waller County, Texas. Her death, captured partly on dashcam video of her confrontational arrest, fueled outrage over police treatment of Black women and inspired the #SayHerName campaign.
Image source: Death of Sandra Bland
Key Facts
- Black Lives Matter was founded in July 2013 by Alicia Garza, Patrisse Cullors, and Opal Tometi after George Zimmerman was acquitted in the killing of 17-year-old Trayvon Martin.
- The #BlackLivesMatter hashtag went viral on social media and became a powerful tool for organizing protests and raising awareness about racial injustice.
- In August 2014, protests erupted in Ferguson, Missouri, after the fatal police shooting of Michael Brown, bringing national attention to the movement.
- In May 2020, the murder of George Floyd by Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin sparked the largest protest movement in U.S. history, with demonstrations in all 50 states and around the world.
- The movement has influenced policy changes, including police reform legislation in various cities and states, the removal of Confederate monuments, and increased corporate and institutional commitments to racial equity.
Source
This Black Lives Matter Movement timeline was generated with the help of AI, using information found on the internet.
We work hard to keep these timelines accurate, but mistakes do get through. If you spot one, email us at [email protected] and we'll fix it for future visitors.
Want a timeline like this one?
Generate yours with AI or build it from scratch, for free.