The Black Lives Matter (BLM) movement began in 2013 as a response to the acquittal of George Zimmerman in the shooting death of Trayvon Martin, igniting widespread protests across the United States and beyond. It involves a diverse coalition of citizens, civil rights organizations, and grassroots activists, while also attracting the attention and sometimes involvement of government officials and institutions. Protests have taken place in various cities, notably in Ferguson, Missouri, following the police shooting of Michael Brown in 2014, and Minneapolis, Minnesota, after the death of George Floyd in 2020. Since its inception, the movement has profoundly influenced conversations about racial inequality, police brutality, and systemic racism, solidifying its role as a pivotal force for social justice in contemporary society.