Black Lives Matter is a case study in a new kind of leadership — here's how the movement grew to international prominence in just 7 years

Taylor BordenJun 6, 2020, 20:22 IST

A person holds a "Black Lives Matter" sign at a protest in Seattle, Washington on June 1, 2020.Lindsey Wasson/Reuters

The Black Lives Matter movement began in 2013. The organization was founded in response to George Zimmerman's acquittal in the killing of Trayvon Martin.
Three community organizers went viral with the hashtag #BlackLivesMatter and leveraged it into the creation of the Black Lives Matter organization that has since become synonymous with the fight against systematic racism and police violence.
The organization serves as a case study for growing a movement in the 21st century because of its community-led organizational approach and its use of social media to mobilize and connect.

The Black Lives Matter movement was founded in 2013 after George Zimmerman was acquitted of killing Trayvon Martin.

Patrisse Cullors, a Black Lives Matter co-founder, at a protest against police killings in October 2016. Nick Ut/AP Photo

While Black Lives Matter was far from the only organization formed by community organizers in protest of Trayvon Martin's death, it was the first to recognize social media as a necessary force in mobilizing action.

People along with New York City Council members attend a press conference in 2012 to call for justice in the killing of Trayvon Martin in Sanford, Florida. Allison Joyce/Getty Images

While Black Lives Matter was far from the only organization formed by community organizers in protest of Trayvon Martin's death, it was the first to recognize social media as a necessary force in mobilizing action.

The organization drew inspiration from the 1960s civil rights movement, but immediately focused on a different leadership model.

Martin Luther King Jr. Uncredited file photo/AP

The Black Lives Matter movement more closely resembles Ella Baker's community-centered leadership model over Martin Luther King's.

Ella Baker in 1968. Jack Harris/AP Images

Black Lives Matter's unique leadership model was further cultivated by social media.

A long exposure shot of protesters marching in the streets of Ferguson, Missouri on August 20, 2014. Jeff Roberson/AP Images

Social media also propelled the movement forward. Black Lives Matter emerged as one of leading organizations following the Ferguson protests, partially due to its recognizable slogan and highly visible social media presence.

People in Brooklyn, New York, put their hands up as a symbol to honor Michael Brown, who was shot and killed by a police officer in Ferguson, Missouri. REUTERS/Eduardo Munoz

Social media also propelled the movement forward. Black Lives Matter emerged as one of leading organizations following the Ferguson protests, partially due to its recognizable slogan and highly visible social media presence.

The group's visibility made it a symbol for the broader movement against systematic racism, rather than just police violence. As it grew, it became more inclusive of causes that share a "throughline of valuing black life."

A Black Lives Matter painting is seen on the street near the White House as protests against the death in Minneapolis police custody of George Floyd, continue in Washington, DC, on June 5, 2020. Joshua Roberts/Reuters

The group's visibility made it a symbol for the broader movement against systematic racism, rather than just police violence. As it grew, it became more inclusive of causes that share a "throughline of valuing black life."

It also inspired separate peaceful protests, like Colin Kaepernick's refusal to stand during the national anthem at a 2016 NFL game.

Colin Kaepernick kneels before a game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in 2016 in Santa Clara, California. Ezra Shaw/Getty Images

Black Lives Matter's initial fight against police brutality is currently on full display following the May 25 police killing of George Floyd in Minneapolis, Minnesota.

Medical professionals come together to protest against police brutality and the death of George Floyd at Barnes-Jewish Hospital on June 5, 2020, in St Louis, Missouri. Michael B. Thomas/Getty Images

A day in the life of an NYC real estate executive who volunteers as a paramedic and spends his nights working on the frontline of the coronavirus pandemic

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Black Lives Matter is a case study in a new kind of leadership — here's how the movement grew to international prominence in just 7 years

The Black Lives Matter movement was founded in 2013 after George Zimmerman was acquitted of killing Trayvon Martin.

While Black Lives Matter was far from the only organization formed by community organizers in protest of Trayvon Martin's death, it was the first to recognize social media as a necessary force in mobilizing action.

The organization drew inspiration from the 1960s civil rights movement, but immediately focused on a different leadership model.

The Black Lives Matter movement more closely resembles Ella Baker's community-centered leadership model over Martin Luther King's.

Black Lives Matter's unique leadership model was further cultivated by social media.

Social media also propelled the movement forward. Black Lives Matter emerged as one of leading organizations following the Ferguson protests, partially due to its recognizable slogan and highly visible social media presence.

The group's visibility made it a symbol for the broader movement against systematic racism, rather than just police violence. As it grew, it became more inclusive of causes that share a "throughline of valuing black life."

It also inspired separate peaceful protests, like Colin Kaepernick's refusal to stand during the national anthem at a 2016 NFL game.

Black Lives Matter's initial fight against police brutality is currently on full display following the May 25 police killing of George Floyd in Minneapolis, Minnesota.