Alicia Garza is an American activist, writer, and co-founder of the Black Lives Matter (BLM) movement, which was created in response to the 2012 shooting of Trayvon Martin and the subsequent acquittal of his killer. Garza, alongside Patrisse Cullors and Opal Tometi, helped launch BLM as a powerful global movement advocating for racial justice, systemic change, and the dismantling of white supremacy. She has been at the forefront of social justice causes, focusing on the intersection of race, gender, and class, and has worked tirelessly to amplify the voices of marginalized communities, particularly Black women and queer individuals.
In addition to her activism, Garza is a prominent writer and speaker, and has been a key figure in pushing for transformative justice. Her work has extended beyond BLM into various areas of social and political advocacy, such as LGBTQ+ rights, immigrant rights, and gender equality. Garza’s contributions to the modern civil rights movement have earned her recognition as a leading voice in American social activism, and her influential writings, including her 2020 book The Purpose of Power, provide insights into grassroots organizing and the importance of collective action for social change.
