Collegiate Athletes For Black Lives Matter
“Our lives begin to end the day we become silent about things that matter.” – Martin Luther King
In the wake of George Floyd’s death, student athletes from multiple universities and institutions around the nation are walking, running, biking, and/or swimming 8.46 miles on Monday, June 8th to raise money for Black Lives Matter .
Why 8.46 miles? 8 minutes and 46 seconds was the length of time that Officer Derek Chauvin had his knee on George Floyd's neck which ultimately led to his wrongful death.
Donations to this fund will go directly to Black Live Matter. Black Lives Matter is a nationwide organization that actively fights against the injustices and inequalities that Black Americans have endured for over 200 years.
You can join this event by participating and sharing this on your own social media! By posting yourself walking, running, biking, and/or swimming 8.46 miles any time throughout the day on Monday, June 8. Share pictures and/or videos of your effort to continue to spread awareness for this important cause. (Although this is geared towards collegiate athletes any participation is welcome and encouraged!!)
Use this Instagram hashtag: #athletez4blm on your stories and feed posts so donors can see a follow through on their donations and others can be inspired and motivated to actively fight for the Black Lives Matter movement!
If you are not able to donate or participate in this challenge, we strongly encourage you to actively look for other avenues to support the Black Lives Matter Movement! Other ways to get involved include: signing petitions, reaching out to government numbers, and continuing to educate yourself and those around you!!
Rest in power you will ALWAYS be remembered, George.
We have confirmed that Black Lives Matter will receive the funds directly. Black Lives Matter was founded in 2013 after Trayvon Martin’s murderer, George Zimmerman, was found not-guilty. The founders of this organization are three strong black women: Patrisse Cullors, Alicia Garza, and Opal Tometi. Today Black Lives Matter has chapters all over America as well as in Canada and the United Kingdom. They use donation money to create legislation, to spread the BLM message, on various legal expenses, and on research how to eliminate systematic racism.