The Black Lives Matter (B.L.M.) movement has been at the forefront of the fight for racial justice and equality in recent years. The death of George Floyd, a Black man who was killed by a Minneapolis police officer in May 2020, sparked a wave of protests across the world and reignited the conversation around systemic racism and police brutality.

Since its inception in 2013, B.L.M. has grown into a global movement, attracting millions of supporters who call for an end to the systemic discrimination and violence experienced by Black people. The campaign has profoundly impacted modern-day activism and changed how people think about and engage with issues of race and justice.

One of the key ways in which B.L.M. has impacted modern-day activism by putting the focus back on grassroots organizing. B.L.M. was started by three Black women—Alicia Garza, Patrisse Cullors, and Opal Tometi—who saw a need for a movement that was led by and centered around Black people. In many ways, B.L.M. has been a reminder that actual change comes from the ground up and that the most effective way to bring about meaningful change is through collective action and community organizing.

B.L.M. has also played a critical role in elevating the voices of Black activists and communities. The movement has provided a platform for Black people to share their stories, experiences, and perspectives. It has helped to bring attention to issues that have long been ignored or marginalized by mainstream media and society. Through its use of social media, B.L.M. has reached millions of people and brought attention to the ongoing struggle for racial justice.

Here are a few examples of instances that shocked the Black community: 

Eric Garner died after a New York police officer wrestled him to the ground on suspicion of illegally selling cigarettes. Mr Garner said "I can't breathe" 11 times while in a choking grip. 

Michael Brown, 18, was slain by a police officer reacting to claims that he had stolen a box of cigars in Ferguson, Missouri. Although the officer was exonerated of guilt, the DOJ report was critical of structural flaws in the Ferguson police department as well as racial inequities in the judicial system.

Tamir Rice, a 12-year-old child, was shot dead by a police officer in Cleveland, Ohio, after reports of a guy who was "possibly a juvenile" aiming a "probably fake" pistol at passers-by. Following Rice's death, authorities verified that the pistol was a toy. 

A white police officer shot Walter Scott in the back five times. Mr Scott was pulled over in North Charleston, South Carolina, for having a malfunctioning light on his automobile, and after a brief altercation, he fled from the officer. 

The killing of Alton Sterling sparked days of protests in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. Mr. Sterling was slain after responding to reports of a disturbance outside a store.

And many more…

In addition, B.L.M. has helped to spark a larger conversation about the role of police in society. The movement has highlighted the systemic problems in policing and the need for fundamental reforms to how law enforcement operates. It has also inspired people to think critically about the role that police play in their communities and has encouraged greater collaboration between community members and law enforcement to promote public safety and justice.

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One of the most significant impacts of the B.L.M. movement has been how it has shifted the public conversation around race and justice. In recent years, the movement has helped to spark a larger conversation about the experiences of Black people in America. It has inspired people to examine how systemic racism and discrimination impact communities of color. As a result, the movement has helped to raise awareness about the need for systemic change and has helped to create a more just and equitable society.

In conclusion, the Black Lives Matter movement has profoundly impacted modern-day activism and has helped bring about meaningful change. The campaign has reminded us of the importance of community organizing, elevated the voices of Black activists, inspired critical conversations about policing, and shifted the public discussion around race and justice. As we continue to fight for racial equality and justice, we must recognize the role that B.L.M. has played in advancing these causes and remains committed to working towards a more just and equitable world for all.

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 Anand Subramanian is a freelance photographer and content writer based out of Tamil Nadu, India. Having a background in Engineering always made him curious about life on the other side of the spectrum. He leapt forward towards the Photography life and never looked back. Specializing in Documentary and  Portrait photography gave him an up-close and personal view into the complexities of human beings and those experiences helped him branch out from visual to words. Today he is mentoring passionate photographers and writing about the different dimensions of the art world.

Read more from Anand Subramanian:

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