This multifaceted reference work surveys the history, development, leadership, and priorities of Black Lives Matter (BLM), including the group's efforts to raise public awareness of police violence in communities of color.

Beginning with the infamous incidents of police brutality that spurred the creation and growth of BLM, this book goes on to profile leading and influential activists and organizations, such as the NAACP, movement co-founder Alicia Garza, and civil rights activist and athlete Colin Kaepernick.

Readers will gain an understanding of important organizational priorities, as well as criticisms of and controversies surrounding the group. A broad range of personal essays explore the persistent problems of police violence and racial discrimination in America. Governmental data and excerpts of primary documents are also included, and an annotated bibliography of related books, news articles, reports, podcasts and more supports readers in conducting further research into BLM, police violence, and racism in American society.

Shaonta' Allen is Assistant Professor of Sociology and African and American American Studies at Dartmouth College, USA.

Simone N. Durham is Faculty Lecturer of Sociology at Morgan State University and Doctoral Candidate at the University of Maryland College Park, USA

Angela Jones is Professor of Women, Gender, and Sexuality Studies at Stony Brook University, USA.