University of Richmond to host lecture by Alicia Garza, activist and co-creator of the Black Lives Matter movement

University of Richmond will host a lecture focusing on Black Lives Matter by the movement’s co-creator, Alicia Garza. The event is March 22 at 4 p.m. in Tyler Haynes Commons, Alice Haynes Room. It is free and open to the public.

Garza is an established social activist who focuses on connecting individuals with emerging social movements. Her work has earned numerous honors, including two Harvey Milk Democratic Club Community Awards and inclusion on The Root’s Top 100 List for Black Lives Matter’s social and political impact. 

The Black Lives Matter movement emerged when Garza wrote an outraged post on social media after George Zimmerman was acquitted of the shooting death of Trayvon Martin in 2013. The phrase quickly became a hashtag, prompted nationwide activism and has evolved into one of this generation’s most poignant civil rights campaigns.

“We invited Garza to speak at Richmond because Dr. Jan French and I are teaching a course this semester on human rights politics in the U.S.,” says Jennifer Erkulwater, associate professor of political science. “While she is an advocate for racial justice, Garza also situates race within a demand for basic human rights, including fair wages and a social safety net.”

“We thought she could serve as an inspiration for our students, and frankly all people, who care about social justice and human dignity,” Erkulwater added.

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