Black Lives Matter:
Media and Where to Find It
“Black Lives Matter!”
These words have become a rallying cry for the issues of racism, injustice, and police violence. We have all become very familiar with the slogan, and indeed the movement, over the past year. The entire world was brimming with people ready for change and ready to take matters into their own hands in order to achieve it. Sources of media were afire with information, motivation, and people sharing their experiences and images, especially during the summer of 2020.
Want to know more about where to find media and resources about the Black Lives Matter movement? Well, you are in the right place for that! The following is a quick discussion about where to find media about the Black Lives Matter organization and movement.
Black Lives Matter Resurgence During Summer of 2020
While he is not the only man to be killed in police custody, George Floyd’s death on May 25 of 2020 was the catalyst for massive protests across the United States and around the world. This event sparked outrage internationally over police brutality, racism, and the treatment of minorities.
George Floyd died on
May 25, 2020
These mass protests were especially poignant given the Covid-19 crisis, and how people put their personal safety at risk to show support for the Black Lives Matter movement. For several months, groups of masked protesters with homemade signs and raised fists became a common sight around the world, and even though protests might have become less of an everyday happening, the Black Lives Matter movement has not lost its momentum or its importance.
Earlier Movement of Black Lives Matter
The Black Lives Matter movement was actually started much earlier. In July of 2013, Black Lives Matter came about after the murder of Trayvon Martin and his killer’s subsequent acquittal.
Trayvon Martin was murdered and his killer acquitted
The Involvement of Media
The movement has an impressive social media presence, where posts are shared with use of the hashtag #BlackLivesMatter on social media accounts. The movement has sparked a network of grass-roots organizations, influential supporters, and a moral collective of activists dedicated to making a real change in the justice system and in the world as a whole.
The Media Attention of Black Lives Matters Grows
Media of all types continues to be essential to the spread of the Black Lives Matter movement’s message. During 2020, news media and social media was abuzz with information and updates on not only the Black Lives Matter movement, but also the search for justice in cases of police brutality and violence.
And essential to the spread of these images, and information on the movement and protests, was the use of media globally.
“I can’t breathe”: His Last Words
As the summer 2020 protests spread across the United States, several quotes became prevalent for signage and chants.
This became a potent phrase for the protests and was seen on signage and heard in chants not only in the United States but around the world.
Along with the visual of the raised, closed fist, several other common phrases were used during the protests. These included “no justice, no peace”, “we will not be silent”, “hands up, don’t shoot”, and “enough is enough”. Such phrases became slogans for the protesters and were chanted by tens of thousands around the world.
Nobel Peace Prize Nomination
In the most recent news, the Black Lives Matter organization has been nominated for the 2021 Nobel Peace Prize, as an important worldwide movement to fight racial injustice. It was actually a Norwegian MP, Petter Eide, who was the person to nominate the Black Lives Matter organization for the Nobel Peace Prize.
Norwegian MP, Petter Eide
nominated the BLM organization for the Nobel Peace Prize
The Black Lives Matter movement is an important part of modern politics, philosophy, and culture. Given its importance, it is essential to keep up with it. Here are some media sources and where to find them, to keep you up to date.
Black Lives Matter Sources in the News and in Blogging
News
It is no secret that the ready availability of news to each of us on a daily basis means that most people are well versed in the latest happenings. And when it comes to Black Lives Matter and the information on it, the accessibility of news media is no different.
With the click of a mouse or the tap of a finger, your search for the most recent news coverage of the movement is complete and you are well on your way to learning more about Black Lives Matter.
News coverage of the Black Lives Matter movement is extensive and can be found easily.
Possibly the sheer scale of the 2020 protests was the catalyst to media’s focus on the Black Lives Matter movement, but in any case, it became prominent and documented thanks to news media. The news media’s spread of awareness for Black Lives Matter quickly reached every corner of the globe and influenced change in many sectors, for example the taking of the knee that still happens before sporting games.
Of course, popular news media webpages such as CNN, BBC, CBC, MSNBC are good go-to’s for consistent reporting on the movement, there are many places to find the latest information regarding it.
Blogs
Given that anyone these days can write and publish a blog from the comfort of their own home, blogging can be seen as a less reliable source of information at times. However, there are several places that offer reputable information in their blogs, and that includes content about the Black Lives Matter movement.
However, there are several blogs run by Black writers that are highly educational, informative, and enjoyable. These blogs range from lifestyle and living well, to politics and philosophy, to news and even the daily experiences of the author.
Showing your support for these creators is an easy way to remain a part of the community surrounding the Black Lives Matter movement and to continue increasing your knowledge of not only the movement, but the experiences of individual people.
Another place to look for informative blogs is on university webpages, where they commonly post articles written by educated professionals!
Social Media and Black Lives Matter - Help to Speed the Spread
Social media has enjoyed a steady and constant rise in popularity and convenience since it was first introduced. Websites such as Twitter, Facebook and Instagram are the stalwart usual suspects, and the ability that users have to share information around the world in a matter of seconds has been useful for many societal campaigns.
And the Black Lives Matter movement most certainly has been able to take advantage of that. During the summer of 2020 and the protests, social media was essential to sharing information, linking people, and keeping accountability.
The Rise and Rise of Social Media
Between May 26th and June 7th, there were 3.7million tweets per day about the Black Lives Matter movement. With May 28th reaching the peak of 8.8million tweets in a single 24-hour period.
Facebook the Catalyst in 2013
The viral spread of Black Lives Matter on such media platforms is fitting, as the movement’s origins are very much rooted in social media.
The co-founder of the movement, Alicia Garzia, took this initial stance on social media, and since then the Black Lives Matter movement has relied on the social capital of platforms to spread its message.
Alicia Garzia
co-founder of the Black Lives Matter movement
Social Media: The Power of Sharing
It is commonly the go-to for people wishing to share and be shared, and information about the Black Lives Matter movement is no different. So far, users of social media have managed to spread awareness of the movement across the globe, as well as organize themselves and their protest efforts in order to bring about worldwide change for the better.
Social Media: The Presence of Online Movements
Online movements were also the territory of social media—you may remember the black squares posted to Instagram during the summer.
Even the feeds of large corporations showed support for this online movement, such as Warner Music Group, ViacomCBS, and big artists like the Rolling Stones and Billie Eilish as well.
The Role of Influencers
This created an amazing, international consciousness of the movement overnight. Following the initial social media spread, resources for Black Lives Matter continue to be shared across those platforms, and it can be a great way to compile more information. Activists, authors, and crusaders for justice unite on social media, and there are so many sources to be found there.
Key Resources Supporting the Movement
The Sounds of Black Lives Matter - Podcasts and Music
Podcasts
Podcasting has gained immense popularity in the recent years. The ease and convenience of being able to listen to content on portable devices, not to mention how podcasts are typically free to download, has definitely had a hand in their popularity.
Ben Hammersley
coined the term podcast in 2004
Since then, the number of sources for listening to podcasts has grown exponentially, with many websites and applications that offer listeners a wide variety of titles to download and enjoy.
Convenience and Accessibility of Information
Having the convenience of applications directly on your smartphone such as Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, and any one of the many other podcast application services makes it so easy to be able to listen to your chosen content whenever you wish to.
And in the world of podcasts, the Black Lives Matter movement is heartily included. Many different activists and influencers have lent their voices and expertise to educating and sharing about Black Lives Matter. And whether you are on your way to work, the grocery store, or just out for a stroll, these podcasts can keep you company and keep you informed. These podcasts are not only educational, they are emotional, personal, and entertaining.
Top Ten Podcasts on Black Lives Matter
Music
Music has always been one of the things that can best motivate people. After all, who can resist a great track?
Martin Luther King
called freedom songs “the soul of the movement.”
Songs as a kind of political chorus, giving audible structure, flow and collective intensity to the experience, apart from the chants and the human voices. And during the 2020 resurgence of the Black Lives Matter movement, certain songs rose to popularity as a voice for the frustration’s protesters were feeling.
Black Lives Matter Anthems
These songs that became Black Lives Matter anthems were not only new music tracks, but established songs that people felt particularly drawn to.
Similarly, Kendrick Lamar’s “Alright” from 2015 also found resurgence, being streamed several hundred thousand times. Both songs appear on Spotify’s Black Lives Matter playlist, which has nearly half a million likes. More music on that playlist includes James Brown’s “Say It Loud – I’m Black and I’m Proud”, The Game’s “Don’t Shoot”, 2Pac’s “Keep Ya Head Up”, and Killer Mike’s “Don’t Die”.
Continued Rise of Music Dedicated to Black Lives Matter
During the initial period of summer’s Black Lives Matter movement, artists released frequent music and remixes that addressed the protests globally and the murder of George Floyd that sparked them.
Music videos with footage from protests, tracks that address police violence, and new lyrics addressing Floyd’s death added onto songs, such as the Killers’s retooled 2019 song “Land of the Free”, where they added the words “Eight measured minutes and 46 seconds / Another boy in the bag / Another stain on the flag.”
Killers’s “Land of the Free”
Another boy in the bag,
Another stain on the flag”
Thanks to the Black Lives Matter movement, a new golden age of protest music has emerged.
Top Ten Music Sources on Black Lives Matter
This is What Black Lives Matter Look Like - Top Films and Shows to View
It is no secret that we have all been spending more time watching content from streaming services over the past year of the pandemic.
However, can you find films and shows that give more insight on the experiences of minorities and the Black Lives Matter movement? You absolutely can! Cinema offerings that support, educate, and thrill are plentiful across streaming services, and it can be completely free to watch them.
How Hollywood is Doing Its Part
While it is definitely acknowledged that a large part of mainstream Hollywood is not particularly diverse, it is pretty evident when looking at the awards and their typical recipients. Hattie McDaniel became the first black actor in 1940 to receive an Academy Award for her portrayal of Mammy in Gone With the Wind, and in the years since, only fourteen black actors have won similar awards.
Hattie McDaniel
the first black actor in 1940 to receive an Academy Award
An excellent event with performances, speeches, and awards, the BET Award winners are a great place to look for fantastic content, supporting Black actors and artists. The 2019 film Queen & Slim directed by Melina Matsoukas took home the prize for Best Movie in the latest ceremony during June of 2020, with Michael B. Jordan and Issa Rae as Best Actor and Best Actress, respectively.
BET Best Movie
BET Best Actor
BET Best Actress
How the Film Industry Has Reacted
Film as a whole can be an excellent resource—educational, emotional, and inspirational content abounds, and selecting the perfect one can take movie night to the next level. And films are also a great way to deal with difficult issues, ones that spark discussion, and give a visual interpretation to them.
Issues especially prevalent with the heightened popularity and awareness of the Black Lives Matter movement, such as injustice, racial inequality and racism, the treatment of minorities, disparities in the justice system, and police violence, can be explored in film and shared with interested viewers worldwide.
Including the previously mentioned Queen & Slim, other films over the years have tackled issues of racism and police violence, including Ryan Coogler’s Fruitvale Station, George Tillman Jr.’s The Hate U Give, Carlos López Estrada’s Blindspotting, and Reinaldo Marcus Green’s Monsters and Men.
It promotes a public debate and discussion about representation and the world. And in seeing the world through another person’s eyes during a film or a show, it can be a powerful experience for viewers.
Netflix Expanding Black Lives Matter Content
Netflix has released a special category on their website dedicated to films that are associated with the Black Lives Matter movement. The streaming service captions this category as helping to learn more about racial injustice, and the Black experience in America through selected films, documentaries, and series.
Where to Find Black Lives Matter Media
Black Lives Matter in the media is a constant, ever evolving experience. And keeping up with it is both exciting and informative! After the Black Lives Matter movement’s reappearance in the summer of 2020 radically changed the way we interact with the world and with the people around us, it is here to stay and continues to be an important way to discuss major issues in our society.
And that is not all—but the Black Lives Matter movement is so very important to the public acknowledgement of these issues, and the open discussion that will bring about real change.
News, Blogs & Social Media: The Art of People Power
Whether you are engaging with the Black Lives Matter movement through the news and blogs, through social media, through audio streaming, or through a screen, it is essential to keep up to date and informed on this movement, and the societal changes it is making.
People truly do drive change through their words and actions— even if those words are posts on social media, or those actions are engaging with digital media supporting a movement.
And now, given the ease and convenience of accessing media on all platforms, keeping up with the Black Lives Matter movement and organization, and keeping yourself informed about the newest updates, is easier than ever. All it takes is your eyes or your ears and a little bit of clicking and scrolling to get there.
Learn More
And this makes keeping yourself informed easier than ever! A tap of the finger or click of the mouse are all that is between you and some great information about the Black Lives Matter movement and organization, as well as charities and non-profit organizations that support the movement.
The Black Lives Matter organization itself has many links to helpful resources on their website, including toolkits and worksheets, reports, support for the LGBTQ+, support for other minorities, campaigns, and statements.
There is plenty of material there alone for anyone interested in learning more!
