About BVM

Black Voices Matter

At Black Voices Matter, we deeply value the unique contributions of every individual. Our mission is to serve as a catalyst for positive change, harnessing the opportunities that America provides to uplift all communities. We believe that when Black, white, and individuals from all ethnic backgrounds come together, we can collectively make everyone’s dreams a reality.

Since our inception in 1998, we have remained committed to the core principles that founded our network: support, empowerment, and progress. Our journey has been fueled by a dedication to fostering collaboration and understanding among diverse groups. We invite you to learn more about our mission and vision, and discover how we actively work to create the transformative changes we wish to see in society.

A History of the Black Voice

Key Figures in the Civil Rights Movement

Martin Luther King Jr.

American Baptist minister, activist, and political philosopher

Born in Atlanta, Georgia, in 1929, Martin Luther King Jr. became a prominent leader of the civil rights movement in the 1950s and 1960s. Influenced by Mahatma Gandhi’s philosophy of nonviolent resistance, King advocated for peaceful protests and civil disobedience as means to combat racial injustice. His leadership during the Montgomery Bus Boycott, sparked by Rosa Parks’s courageous act, showcased his ability to mobilize communities and rally support.

King’s “I Have a Dream” speech, delivered during the 1963 March on Washington, remains one of the most iconic moments in American history. He envisioned a future where people would be judged by their character rather than the color of their skin. King’s efforts earned him the Nobel Peace Prize in 1964, solidifying his legacy as a champion for equality and justice.

Malcolm X

African American revolutionary, Muslim minister, and human rights activist

In contrast to King’s nonviolent approach, Malcolm X emerged as a vocal advocate for Black empowerment and self-defense. Born Malcolm Little in 1925, he faced racism and hardship throughout his early life. After joining the Nation of Islam while in prison, he became a powerful speaker, emphasizing the need for African Americans to reclaim their identity and dignity.

Malcolm X’s famous phrase, “By any means necessary,” highlighted his belief that self-defense was essential in the fight against oppression. He encouraged Black individuals to take pride in their heritage and to stand up against injustice. Although he later distanced himself from the Nation of Islam and embraced a more inclusive vision, his influence on the movement remained profound.

Rosa Parks

American activist in the civil rights movement

On December 1, 1955, Rosa Louise McCauley Parks made history when she refused to give up her seat to a white man on a segregated bus in Montgomery, Alabama. Her quiet act of defiance sparked the Montgomery Bus Boycott, a pivotal event in the civil rights movement. Parks was not just a seamstress; she was a lifelong activist who had been involved in civil rights work for years.

Parks’ arrest galvanized the Black community and drew national attention to the injustices of segregation. Her bravery symbolized the courage needed to challenge systemic racism. The boycott lasted over a year and led to a Supreme Court ruling that declared segregation on public buses unconstitutional.