Births on January 4

Alicia Garza, American activist

Alicia Garza, born on January 4, 1981, is a distinguished American civil rights activist, writer, and strategist widely recognized for her pivotal role as a co-founder of the groundbreaking international Black Lives Matter (BLM) movement. Launched in 2013 in response to the acquittal of George Zimmerman in the shooting death of Trayvon Martin, Garza, alongside Patrisse Cullors and Opal Tometi, ignited a global conversation and movement for racial justice, police accountability, and the fundamental value of Black lives.

Garza's extensive activism spans a multitude of critical social justice issues. She has dedicated her efforts to advocating for equitable healthcare access, enhancing student services and rights within educational systems, and championing the fundamental rights of domestic workers, a particularly vulnerable segment of the workforce. A central focus of her work has been the urgent call to end systemic police brutality and dismantle institutional anti-racism, recognizing these as pervasive threats to Black communities. Furthermore, she has been a vocal advocate against violence targeting transgender and gender non-conforming people of color, underscoring the vital importance of intersectionality within movements for liberation and justice.

Her insightful editorial writing, which consistently addresses themes of racial justice, activism, and systemic inequality, has been featured in a range of highly reputable publications. These include esteemed platforms such as The Guardian, known for its global perspective; The Nation, a prominent progressive magazine; Rolling Stone, a cultural and political touchstone; and Truthout, an independent news organization focused on social justice. Through these channels, Garza amplifies critical narratives and engages a broad public in dialogues about human rights and social change.

Currently, Alicia Garza holds significant leadership positions that reflect her enduring commitment to empowering marginalized communities. She serves as the Director of Special Projects at the National Domestic Workers Alliance (NDWA), an organization dedicated to improving working conditions, wages, and respect for the millions of domestic workers across the United States. In this role, she contributes to strategic initiatives aimed at policy reform and organizing efforts that empower caregivers, housecleaners, and nannies. Additionally, Garza is the Principal at the Black Futures Lab, an innovative organization she also founded. The Black Futures Lab is committed to transforming Black communities into powerful, engaged political forces, building Black political power, and driving policy change that directly benefits Black people. Through these concurrent roles, Alicia Garza continues to shape public discourse, influence policy, and build robust movements for a more equitable and just society.

Frequently Asked Questions about Alicia Garza and Black Lives Matter

When was the Black Lives Matter movement founded?

The Black Lives Matter movement was founded in 2013 by Alicia Garza, Patrisse Cullors, and Opal Tometi. It emerged as an online hashtag and rapidly grew into a global movement for racial justice and against police brutality following the acquittal of George Zimmerman in the shooting death of Trayvon Martin.

What are some of the key issues Alicia Garza advocates for?

Alicia Garza advocates for a wide range of critical issues, including ending police brutality, combating systemic anti-racism, securing rights and fair treatment for domestic workers, promoting health equity, advocating for student services and rights, and protecting transgender and gender non-conforming people of color from violence and discrimination.

What is the National Domestic Workers Alliance (NDWA)?

The National Domestic Workers Alliance (NDWA) is a leading organization in the United States dedicated to organizing domestic workers – including nannies, housecleaners, and caregivers for the elderly and people with disabilities – to win dignity, respect, and fair labor standards. Alicia Garza directs Special Projects for the NDWA.

What is the purpose of the Black Futures Lab?

The Black Futures Lab, co-founded and led by Alicia Garza as its Principal, aims to transform Black communities into potent political forces. It focuses on building Black political power, engaging Black voters, and developing policy initiatives that directly address the needs and improve the lives of Black people, utilizing both technology and grassroots organizing.