Oakland-based community organizer Alicia Garza first posted the phrase black lives matter in 2013 following the acquittal of 17 year old Trayon Martin's killer. She joined with artist-organizer Patrisse Kahn-Cullors, and writer-organzier Opal Tometi to found the Black Lives Matter Global Network, which works to end widespread racist policies and police brutality.
While the organization has only 17 official chapters, the phrase quickly circled the globe in work for black liberation.
Breonna Taylor
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George Floyd
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Killed by Police
Atatiana Jefferson
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Say Their Names
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Middle Finger to the Law by OnRaé LaTeal
Black Lives Matter co-founders Patrisse Cullors, Alicia Garza, and Opal Tometi
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Eric Garner
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Michelle Cusseaux
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Philando Castile
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Freddie Gray
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Killed by police
Akai Gurley
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Killed by police
Gabriella Nevarez
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Killed by police
Michael Brown
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Killed by police
Tamir Rice
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Killed by police
Tanisha Anderson
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Rekia Boyd
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Aiyanna Jones
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Killed by police
Shantel Davis
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Killed by police
Yvette Smith
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Killed by police
Tyisha Miller
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Killed by police
Pearlie Golden
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Killed by police at age 93
Kathryn Johnston
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Tarika Wilson
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John Crawford
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Killed by police