On February 5th, 2025, Trayvon Martin would have turned 30 years old. His life was tragically cut short at just 17, but his death became a turn- ing point that sparked the creation of the Black Lives Matter (BLM) movement. Trayvon’s tragic story, along with the acquittal of his murderer, George Zimmerman, created a wave of grief, an- ger, and a demand for justice. Trayvon’s memory lives on as a symbol of the fight against racial violence and the ongoing struggle for equality. His story is a reminder of the continuous fight for justice that the BLM movement represents today.
The Black Lives Matter (BLM) Movement was officially founded in 2013 by three Black women, Alicia Garza, Patrisse Cullors and Opal Tometi. Since then, BLM has grown into a global movement aimed at raising awareness of the unjust deaths of Black men and women, at the hands of white individuals. Over time, however, the movement has become a controversial topic. Despite countless deaths, protests, and calls for justice, change has often felt di fficult. In 1955, it was Emmett Till, in 2020, it was George Floyd and in 2024 it was Sonya Massey the only thing that seems to change is the year on the calendar. BLM started as a hashtag on social media and has now grown into a global network, with over 40 chap- ters around the world. The movement gained nationwide recognition following the murder of Michael Brown in 2014 by Ferguson police officer Darren Wilson, who, like Zimmerman was also acquitted. Each time a Black person lost their life at the hands of a police officer the movement grew stronger. Tragically, the list of victims has expanded beyond Trayvon Martin and Michael Brown to include Tamir Rice, San- dra Bland, George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, Sonya Massey and many more lives lost.
The BLM movement holds many meanings and can be seen as a modern-day Civil Rights Movement. It promotes awareness, positivity, and unity, bringing people together to focus on the issues that matter. In today’s world, where social media is central to communication, BLM as a hashtag enables everyone regardless of age, race, or social standing to participate, since almost everyone has access to some form of social media. It’s especially impactful for younger generations who may not regularly follow the news or read newspapers. With the deaths of Black men, women, and children at the hands of police o fficers, BLM offers a platform for Black communities to unite, advocate for change, and bring positivity to their neighborhoods. Without action, the world will remain unchanged. Black Lives Matter provides a powerful focus on the struggles within the Black community. While the movement was created to address issues specific to Black people, it is not exclusive. BLM is a global movement, and anyone who believes in the protection and upliftment of Black lives is welcome to join the fight for justice.
Countless Black men, women, and children have lost their lives at the hands of police officers who often claim, “I feared for my life.” Whether or not those claims are justified, the result has been extreme and unjust actions. George Floyd’s life was taken when a knee was pressed into his neck for eight minutes. Tamir Rice, just 12 years old, was fatally shot within seconds of police arrival. Breonna Taylor was shot six times while sleeping in her own home during a botched drug investigation. Sandra Bland, after a routine traffic stop, was found dead in her jail cell, allegedly by suicide. In each of these cases, the officers responsible were acquitted, and no true consequences followed the loss of these precious lives. ThThe absence of justice in these situations shows the deep historical issues within law enforcement that continue to affect Black communities.
