BLMUK started in 2016 as a loose network of activists who wanted to respond to escalating racist violence from the British state.

"Our first action, #Shutdown took place on Friday 5th August 2016 to commemorate the 5th anniversary of the murder of Mark Duggan. Dozens of activists in Birmingham, London, Manchester and Nottingham organised shutdowns of transport hubs, including Birmingham and Heathrow Airports to sound the alarm on racist state violence in the UK."

"Since then we have continued to organise for Black liberation. We have worked with other collectives such as Wretched of the Earth to focus on climate justice for the global majority and the successful Against Borders for Children campaign which stopped the UK government’s efforts to create a children migrant database."

BLMUK volunteers donate their time doing administration, community organising, communications and whatever else is needed, which includes raising some funds to support the organisations work.

"Until 2020, our previous efforts raised around £8,000, so when we launched our UKBLM fund in the aftermath of George Floyd’s murder, we were overwhelmed with the incredible support we received across the UK and beyond.

"From birthday gift donations to school groups running events, it was inspiring and encouraging to see so many from all backgrounds work for Black lives in the UK."

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