"Black Lives Matter: The Watchdog for the Criminal Justice System"

• In Event: Physical Appearance and Crime: Bias Imposed by the Police, Public, and Offenders Against Suspects and Victims"

Abstract

Few occurrences have polarized American culture more than the untrusting relationship between the police and communities of color. Some would argue that the term "justice" has been codified along racial lines. Added to that are the recent high profile deaths of African American citizens who are legally innocent, followed by a perceived absence of justice for their deaths. This paper will describe the creation, development, and growth of the Black Lives Matter movement, and will offer accounts of some of the notable cases. The movement is working to rebuild the Black Liberation movement, which was a call for action and an accounting for the injustices that befall racially minority communities.

Author

• Lorenzo M. Boyd, University of Maryland- Eastern Shores