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
Born
Killed by police
George Floyd
Born
Killed by Police
Atatiana Jefferson
Born
Killed by Police
Say Their Names
Janelle Monae
Middle Finger to the Law by OnRaé LaTeal
Black Lives Matter co-founders Patrisse Cullors, Alicia Garza, and Opal Tometi
Stephon Clark
Born
Killed by police
Eric Garner
Born
Killed by police
Michelle Cusseaux
Born
Killed by police
Philando Castile
Born
Killed by police
Freddie Gray
Born
Killed by police
Akai Gurley
Born
Killed by police
Gabriella Nevarez
Born
Killed by police
Michael Brown
Born
Killed by police
Tamir Rice
Born
Killed by police
Tanisha Anderson
Born
Killed by police
Rekia Boyd
Born
Killed by police
Aiyanna Jones
Born
Killed by police
Shantel Davis
Born
Killed by police
Yvette Smith
Born
Killed by police
Tyisha Miller
Born
Killed by police
Pearlie Golden
Born
Killed by police at age 93
Kathryn Johnston
Born
Killed by police
Tarika Wilson
Born
Killed by police
1 year old son was shot but survived
John Crawford
Born
Killed by police