How Obama’s Presidency Helped the Black Lives Matter Movement

Abstract

In 2012, the United States was flipped upside down by both the murder of 17-year-old Trayvon Martin and the subsequent acquittal of George Zimmerman, his murderer. Out of this event, the Black Lives Matter organization and movement was created to seek systemic change regarding racial discrimination, equity, and police brutality. Yet, at the center of growing discourse around governmental action and the Black experience in America, was Barack Obama--the first Black president of the United States. As the President of the United States and a Black American man, he occupied a distinctly unique positionality and responsibility, which often is overlooked when discussing his impact on the Black Lives Matter movement. Therefore, this essay seeks to highlight his impact on the Black Lives Matter Movement and his implementation of policy changes during his presidency.