The Black Lives Matter Global Network (BLM) is a chapter-based global organization that organizes to end violence against Black people that is sanctioned by the state. By combating and countering acts of violence and creating space for Black imagination and innovation, BLM is building power and winning immediate improvements for Black communities.

BLM emerged after Trayvon Martin’s murderer, George Zimmerman, was acquitted for his crime, and dead 17-year-old Trayvon was posthumously placed on trial for his own death. Founded in 2013 by Patrisse Khan-Cullors, Opal Tometi, and Alicia Garza and catalyzed by the uprising in Ferguson, Missouri, a year later, BLM is entrenched in the experiences of Black people in the U.S. and those globally who organize against and resist the pervasive and systematic dehumanization of Black people. BLM is a call to action and a response to the dangerous, anti-Black racism that permeates society.

It is also an affirmation of Black people’s resilience in the face of deadly oppression and of the contributions Black people have made.

At the center of BLM’s organizing are people who are queer and transgender, disabled, undocumented, formerly incarcerated, female, and all people along the gender spectrum.

The affirmation that Black Lives Matter has resonated all over the globe and is expanding. With 37 chapters in the United States and five chapters outside of it, BLM approached Thousand Currents to create a partnership because Thousand Currents has the experience and skills to support BLM as they build solidarity with global organizations and movements. The organizations have developed a binding legal “agreement of coordination and cooperation.” In addition to Thousand Currents providing fiduciary oversight, financial management, and other administrative services as a 501(c)(3) public charity to BLM, a key aspect of the agreement is learning-exchange and alliance-building opportunities for the BLM network and Thousand Currents’ grassroots partners in the Global South, especially southern Africa.

Learn more at blacklivesmatter.com