The 44th President of the United States whose presidency is examined for its relationship to the emergence of the Black Lives Matter movement. His responses to systemic issues facing Black communities are critically assessed throughout the narrative.

The 36th President of the United States whose administration's response to civil rights movements in the 1960s reflects liberal political approaches to Black activism. He is noted for expanding the welfare state and passing legislation impacting protest movements.

The 37th President of the United States known for a conservative shift following the civil rights era. His use of colorblind rhetoric and policies laid groundwork affecting future social welfare and policing practices.

The 40th President of the United States, noted for his conservative policies that reduced social welfare and increased mass incarceration. His rhetoric and actions deepened the economic struggles inherited by Black communities in the 1980s.

The 44th President of the United States whose administration's crime policies contributed significantly to modern policing and mass incarceration trends. His policies are critiqued for expanding police and prison systems.

A civil rights activist whose involvement in events like the Ferguson protests highlights generational contrasts within Black liberation movements. His approach to activism is juxtaposed with newer, more inclusive movements like BLM.

The first Black mayor of a major American city, whose electoral success is contextualized within the transition from protest to political office. His mayoralty demonstrates the challenges faced by Black political leaders addressing racial inequity.

A civil rights leader whose philosophy and actions are foundational to discussions of racial and economic justice. His speeches and writings are frequently referenced to underscore arguments about systemic injustice.

A civil rights and human rights activist who provides a framework for understanding the interconnectedness of racial and economic oppression. His speeches are key references in discussions of Black liberation movements.

Civil rights activists and authors noted for coining the term "institutional racism." Their work is referenced as a crucial framework for understanding structural inequities affecting Black Americans.

An unarmed Black teenager whose 2014 death sparked nationwide protests against police brutality. His case is pivotal in discussions of modern protest movements and systemic issues in policing.

A Black man who died in police custody, triggering the Baltimore protests. His death sheds light on the role of the Black political establishment in addressing racial oppression.

A Black man killed by a police officer in 2009, whose unjust death was a precursor to BLM. His case exemplifies the issues of racial profiling and police violence that fuel contemporary movements.

A Black man executed despite widespread belief in his innocence, illustrating failures in the justice system. His case highlights the intersection of racial and economic inequality within the narrative.

A Black teenager whose death led to the creation of the #blacklivesmatter hashtag. His case marked a turning point in raising awareness of racial profiling and systemic injustice.

A civil rights activist and co-founder of the BLM movement, noted for her role in turning the hashtag into an international movement. Her work exemplifies the contemporary approach to systemic oppression.

A Black queer feminist and founding member of Black Youth Project 100 (BYP 100), showcasing a new generation of activists emphasizing intersectionality. Her leadership reflects shifts in Black liberation tactics.

A German philosopher whose critique of capitalism is utilized to examine the economic forces affecting racial oppression. His theories provide a basis for discussing the relationship between racism and economic inequality.