title: Patrisse Cullors
text: Patrisse Cullors supports African Americans and their rights. She co-founded Black Lives Matter. She was born in 1984 and grew up in Los Angeles. She also supports LGBTQ rights.
  
  Early life 
  Cullors lived during a time when prison populations were rising. Her father and brother were in and out of prison most of her life. Her mom worked long hours and spent limited time with her. When she was 16, she identified as queer and had her first girlfriend. Her family did not agree, but her friends supported her. She decided to get involved in other groups that would support her and help others like her.
  
  Cullors went to UCLA, where she studied philosophy and religion. She kept trying to get equal rights during this time.
  
  Achievements 
  Cullors co-founded the Black Lives Matter movement. She created a hashtag, #BlackLivesMatter. It spread quickly on social media sites. She helped African-Americans that needed help with lawsuits against them. She supported the LGBTQ community. She wanted everyone to have equal rights.
  
  Publications 
  Cullors wrote the book called STAINED: An Intimate Portrayal of State Violence. It talks about violence in prison.
  
  References 
  
  1984 births
  Living people
  African-American people
  American civil rights activists
  American LGBT rights activists
  Black Lives Matter