Our Founding Mothers
Cullors, Garza & Tometti
#BlackLivesMatter was birthed in an "Open Love Letter to Black People," written by Oakland-based community activist Alicia Garza in July 2013 after the acquittal of George Zimmerman; the self-proclaimed neighborhood watchman who murdered unarmed teenager, #TrayvonMartin. Garza ended her Facebook post with the benediction, "Black people. I love you. I love us. Our lives matter.”
Fellow activist Patrisse Cullors amended the last three words to create a hashtag: #BlackLivesMatter, which the two began to promote vigorously. A new friend, Brooklyn-based immigration-rights organizer Opal Tometi created Facebook and Twitter pages to connect other like-minded activists... and a movement was born.
We are unapologetically Black in our positioning, and committed to collectively, lovingly and courageously working for freedom and justice for all Black people (and by extension all people) regardless of actual or perceived sexual identity, gender expression, economic or educational status, ability or disability, religious beliefs or disbeliefs, immigration or incarceration status or location.
Fellow activist Patrisse Cullors amended the last three words to create a hashtag: #BlackLivesMatter, which the two began to promote vigorously. A new friend, Brooklyn-based immigration-rights organizer Opal Tometi created Facebook and Twitter pages to connect other like-minded activists... and a movement was born.
We are unapologetically Black in our positioning, and committed to collectively, lovingly and courageously working for freedom and justice for all Black people (and by extension all people) regardless of actual or perceived sexual identity, gender expression, economic or educational status, ability or disability, religious beliefs or disbeliefs, immigration or incarceration status or location.
The Atlanta Chapter - #BlackLivesMatterATL
In 2015, longtime community organizer Dre Propst approached Mary Hooks, Co-Director of Southerners On New Ground (Song), about forming an Atlanta chapter of #BlackLivesMatter (BLM). Working with BLM national, the two organized the inaugural meeting of the Atlanta chapter on December 17 at the historic Big Bethel A.M.E. church on Auburn Avenue.
Since forming we have fought for justice for the families of Atlantans murdered by police, including #AlexiaChristian, #AnthonyHill & #NicholasThomas. We started a #BlackDollarsMatter initiative & Friday Flash Mobs to support Black-owned businesses; and lead a boycott of Stone Mountain State Park, which still grants permits for rallies to white supremacist groups.
Our Agenda
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ABOLITION
We are building towards a society that is equipped to protect their safety and wellbeing without the need of prisons or police.
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COMMUNITY
We serve and honor our communities. Collective liberation will be a product of our communal actions and involvement.
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MUTAL AID
We cannot rely on the systems that oppress us to also keep us alive. We need strong self sufficient communities to continue the fight towards liberation.
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