What Is Black Lives Matter?

Ages 8 to 12, Grades 3 to 7

The latest title in the Who HQ Now format for trending topics tells the history of a political and social movement that advocates for non-violent civil disobedience and protests against incidents of police brutality—and all racially motivated violence—against Black people.

When a Black teenager named Trayvon Martin was senselessly killed in 2012, the African American community called for his murderer to be held accountable. But like many other racially sparked incidents in the past, his killer walked free. People looked for justice and healing in the moment. They turned to social media and a simple yet powerful hashtag emerged, #BlackLivesMatter.

The message grew into an international movement and has now become the rallying cry during protests against police brutality and racial acts of violence. The movement gained even more attention and support in 2020 when it called for police reform in the United States after the police-related murder of George Floyd.

Series Overview: Who HQ Now retains all the best and beloved features of the Who Was? series at a lower page count and price point, allowing us to more quickly bring trending topics and newsworthy subjects to the market.

About the Author

Lakita Wilson is a Professor of Education, writer and advocate for diverse and inclusive children’s literature. She lives in Maryland with her two children and Shih-Tzu.

Author Residence: Maryland