The Summer of 2020: George Floyd and the Resurgence of the Black Lives Matter Movement

Protests broke out in Minneapolis and spread across the US in May 2020 after George Floyd's murder, leading to the resurgence of the Black Lives Matter movement and calls for justice in other cities. The Summer of 2020: George Floyd and the Resurgence of the Black Lives Matter Movement explores the perspectives of individual participants who contributed to the movement's impact and global success.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 277 pages
Publication date: 15 March 2024
Publisher: University Press of Mississippi

In the aftermath of George Floyd's tragic murder in May 2020, protests erupted in Minneapolis and swiftly spread across the United States, igniting a nationwide movement for justice. The tragic incident sparked a resurgence of the Black Lives Matter movement, amplifying calls for accountability and reform in other American cities, including Los Angeles, Atlanta, Tulsa, and Louisville, Kentucky. Tragically, just months prior, Breonna Taylor was also killed by police in Louisville, adding to the growing list of injustices. According to various estimates, Black Lives Matter protesters numbered between fifteen million and twenty-six million both in the United States and internationally.

The Summer of 2020: George Floyd and the Resurgence of the Black Lives Matter Movement delves into the perspectives of individual participants who played pivotal roles in the movement's revival and global success throughout 2020. Authors Andre E. Johnson and Amanda Nell Edgar conducted in-depth interviews with activists from various backgrounds, ranging from seasoned organizers to first-time protesters, to unravel the profound meaning of Black Lives Matter to those who actively participated in one of America's largest social movements. Through their fieldwork, Johnson and Edgar shed light on the complexities of taking a stand, particularly in the face of escalating threats from white supremacist groups, ongoing police aggression, and the ongoing challenges posed by the global pandemic.

In a period characterized by unprecedented political polarization, the wave of support for the Black Lives Matter movement defied expectations. The surge in support for racial justice and equity left racial justice advocates grappling to maintain and harness the political momentum necessary for lasting change. This volume goes beyond a conventional focus on leaders and figureheads, providing a comprehensive account of the growing numbers of Black Lives Matter supporters and demonstrators and the enduring impact of their collective efforts. By accounting for the diverse voices and experiences within the movement, this volume contributes to social movement research by expanding our understanding of the factors that drive social change and the resilience of marginalized communities in the face of adversity.

Weight: 306g
Dimension: 138 x 216 x 17 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781496849755