“Black lives matter!” is an American slogan; the rallying cry of all those who denounce police violence toward black people.

It means what it says: Black lives count.

You may have already seen it on demo placards, or as a hashtag on social media.

So is “Black lives matter” just a slogan?

No, it’s much more! Since George Floyd’s death in 2020, it’s become a powerful movement in the defense of black rights.

On 25th May, George Floyd, an African-American, was arrested and died while being held down with a policeman’s knee on his neck.

It’s not the first time that’s happened in the US.

Black people are 3 times more likely to be killed by police officers than whites. Police officers are rarely convicted for these offences.