The Black Lives Matter Movement

My project will focus on the Black Lives Matter Movement, and will specifically show a timeline of events that lead to what it is now. 

The movement all started with one death, one so unnecessary, one so publicized that it sparked a whole string of events and riots. Treyvon Martin was just minding his own business when a local neighborhood watch volunteer, George Zimmerman, accused him of having intentions with a "gun". He then killed him and was put on trial for many times, but this case doesn't solve this problem of racism. 

George Zimmerman's mugshot.

Shortly after this, the hashtag #BlackLivesMatter was created to spark an online campaign in 2013. BLM was created by three women -- Alicia Garza, Patrisse Cullors, and Opal Tometi. The movement created riots and marches, especially those in Ferguson. 

Powerful image of an activist holding a BLM sign, in the midst of chaos.

Since I am creating a music video about the movement, I figured it would be best to take influences from those who support the movement. The Weeknd, who is one of my favorite artists, donated $250K to the BLM Network after hearing about the shootings of Alton Sterling and Philando Castile. John Legend provided free meals to NYC activists who decided to march upon Eric Garner's death. Jay-Z and Beyonce held a charity concert and raised $1.5 million for the cause. There are many more to note, but these have been some of the most influential artists within the past few years.

In recent news, I found an instance of someone who had just applied to Stanford and submitted his answer to the question they posed: "What matters to you and why?" He only said "#BlackLivesMatter" one hundred times and got accepted. Although he might have had a good background in his application, I feel that this is very important to note that this movement has actually affected those who are close to BLM, especially since this applicant was Muslim.

I have yet to conduct more research and find specific speeches that touch upon Black Lives Matter so that I can incorporate these speeches in my music video.