Alicia Garza

Alicia Garza
Garza in 2016
Born (1981-01-04) January 4, 1981 (age 43)
Other namesAlicia Schwartz
EducationUniversity of California, San Diego (BA)
OccupationActivist
Known forBlack Lives Matter, People Organized to Win Employment Rights, National Domestic Workers Alliance
MovementBlack Lives Matter, Movement for Black Lives
Spouse
Malachi Garza
(m. 2008; div. 2021)

Alicia Garza (née Schwartz; born January 4, 1981) is an American civil rights activist and writer known for co-founding the Black Lives Matter movement. She is a recognized advocate for social and racial justice, with a particular focus on issues affecting marginalized communities, including Black women, LGBTQ+ people, and immigrants. Garza is also a writer and public speaker. She has written extensively on issues related to race, gender, and social justice, and her work has appeared in numerous publications. Her editorial writing has been published by Time, Mic, Marie Claire, Elle, Essence, The Guardian, The Nation, The Feminist Wire, Rolling Stone, HuffPost, and Truthout.

Garza has worked with organizations such as the National Domestic Workers Alliance and the Black Futures Lab, which focuses on building political power for Black communities. She has also engaged in community organizing efforts and initiatives aimed at creating systemic change and challenging inequality.

Garza has served as a board member of Forward Together's Oakland branch, Black Organizing for Leadership and Dignity, and Oakland's School of Unity and Liberation/SOUL.