Black Lives Matter

American  

[blak lahyvz mat-er] / ˈblæk ˈlaɪvz ˈmæt ər /

noun

1. a political and social movement originating among African Americans, emphasizing basic human rights and racial equality for Black people and campaigning against various forms of racism. BLM, B.L.M.

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Etymology

Origin of Black Lives Matter

First recorded in 2013; the slogan that arose from the hashtag #BlackLivesMatter on social media after George Zimmerman was acquitted of murder in the shooting death of Trayvon Martin, an unarmed African American teenager

Example Sentences

We’ve seen the advent of marriage equality, the #MeToo movement, the Black Lives Matter movement—there’s just been a lot of change afoot, and we’re seeing a real backlash to that.

From Slate • Mar. 10, 2026

The Black Lives Matter movement mobilized people all over the world and from all racial backgrounds.

From Salon • Feb. 8, 2026

Half-time performances have a history of sparking controversy - from Janet Jackson's infamous wardrobe malfunction in 2004, to the live debut of Beyoncé's Black Lives Matter anthem Formation in 2016.

From BBC • Feb. 6, 2026

Abdullah said Black Lives Matter Grassroots, an activist group within the BLM movement, would meet with L.A.

From Los Angeles Times • Jan. 4, 2026

Typical of Black Lives Matter individuals who participated in the Ferguson demonstrations is activist and educator Brittany Packnett, who states that the death of Michael Brown deepened her commitment to social justice.

From "1919 The Year That Changed America" by Martin W. Sandler