Near the eve of the tenth anniversary of Black Lives Matter, the court has ruled against the will of the those who birthed, built, and fuel the movement and in favor of the (BLM) Global Network Foundation, which is in the hands of highly paid consultants, who have never been on the frontlines. For nearly ten years, the families whose loved ones lives were stolen by police, ordinary Black people who see the struggle for Black freedom as their sacred duty, and allies willing to work for a just world have poured our blood, sweat, and tears into building Black Lives Matter as one of the largest racial and social justice movements in global history. It is shameful that those who seek only to line their own pockets have been able to use court maneuverings to continue to enrich themselves and derail the work.
Last September, Black Lives Matter Grassroots filed a lawsuit against the BLM Global Network Foundation in order to win back what rightfully belongs to the movement: the resources, platforms, and our good name. The lawsuit draws a distinction between a “foundation,” which does no on-the-ground work, and those who continue to do the work of Black liberation.
Prior to the lawsuit, Black Lives Matter Grassroots issued countless appeals to the Global Network Foundation and its lead, Shalomyah Bowers and Bowers Consulting. When GNF added two members to its Board – Cicely Gay and D’zhane Parker – they were also encouraged to come to the table and do the right thing.
Black Lives Matter Grassroots, again, reminds the Global Network Foundation that they can always change their minds and move righteously. 2,215 people have signed an open letter to this effect. Black Lives Matter Grassroots reissues the call imploring the Global Network Foundation to return the resources, platforms, and good name to those who continue to do the work.
As always, the work of Black Lives Matter continues – regardless of the court ruling. On July 15, 2023, we will celebrate our ten years of beautiful struggle with a “People’s Justice Festival” in Los Angeles’ Leimert Park where thousands will celebrate their ongoing commitment to the movement.
“Black Lives Matter Grassroots plans to appeal the ruling immediately,” said Attorney Justin H. Sanders, “the legal basis of this ruling is a terrible example of the letter and not the spirit of the law being followed. Using freedom of speech to shield thieves who are plundering the resources meant to support the boots on ground work of Black Lives Matter.”
Charleston, SC – Black Lives Matter Grassroots stands in full solidarity with the Charleston Reparations Taskforce and the Gullah Geechee community in demanding the immediate transfer of over 7,000 acres of plantation land, including Middleton Place, Boone Hall, and Magnolia Plantation, to permanent Gullah Geechee stewardship.
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We are grateful for the courage, vision, sacrifice, and power of Black Lives Matter Grassroots Twin Cities lead Chauntyll Allen, courageous comrade Nekima Levy Armstrong, and other principled organizers for their righteous resistance to the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) federal invasion and fascist repression in Minneapolis/St. Paul. Rather than submitting to an unparalleled evil that murders mothers in their own vehicles, explodes chemical weapons upon infants, kidnaps and imprisons preschoolers, brutalizes children, separates families, and terrorizes communities, grassroots organizers in the Twin Cities are putting their own bodies, freedom and livelihood on the line to secure community.
