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protest, but some participants vandalized vehicles and looted
local businesses. Around 150 police officers arrived, dressed in
full riot gear. Dozens of protesters were arrested, but the pro-
tests continued for more than a week. Authorities responded
with military-style tactics. Rifle-carrying police in body armor
patrolled in armored personnel carriers. They fired tear gas at

demonstrators and blasted acoustic weapons meant to cause
ear-splitting pain. Police also shot protesters with rubber bullets,
which can cause injuries ranging from mild bruising to serious
bone fractures and, in some cases, death.
The Ferguson unrest attracted widespread attention. On
social media, hashtags including #HandsUpDontShoot and
#NoJusticeNoPeace drove even more protesters into the streets.
Another hashtag that dominated social media and was seen on
dozens of signs held by protesters was #BlackLivesMatter. Few
people had seen or heard that expression at the time, but in a
matter of weeks the phrase “Black lives matter” provided a unify-
ing message wherever social justice protests were held.

The Disease of Racism

The phrase “Black lives matter” first emerged on social media in
2013, after a jury rendered a not guilty verdict in the shooting death
of a Black teenager. The shooting occurred on the night of Feb-
ruary 26, 2012. Seventeen-year-old Trayvon Martin was walking
home after visiting a convenience store in Sanford, Florida. Mar-
tin was confronted by a neighborhood watch coordinator named
George Zimmerman. Zimmerman later told police that he thought
Martin, who was wearing a black hoodie, looked suspicious. After
a momentary scuffle, Zimmerman shot and killed Martin. Zimmer-
man was arrested after the shooting but was quickly released.
Although Martin was unarmed, Zimmerman told police he acted
in self-defense.
Thousands of people attended rallies to protest Martin’s
death. Zimmerman was eventually charged with murder, but dur-

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