Black Lives Matter Marks 10th Anniversary with People’s Justice Festival in Leimert Park
- LA Sentinel
- July 20, 2023
- Denver Mackey
The community listened to powerful speeches from Black Lives Matter LA co-founder Dr. Melina Abdullah, Dr. Cornel West, and Cop City Vote. Also, legendary rapper Cuck D of Public Enemy fame gave an electrifying performance and Van Lathan Jr. served as the emcee. While the community absorbed words of wisdom from the day’s speakers, musical performances were also given throughout the day from many local musicians.
The People’s Justice Festival featured various spaces for the community to develop skills, listen to a range of community leaders, and learn about the many services that Black Lives Matter offers. The Center for Black Power hosted panel discussion on “Birthing a Movement, Not a Moment” and “How We Get Free: Doing the Work.”
In addition, the Healing Space, which featured panels on “Healing Justice” and self-care, encouraged people who define themselves as social justice warriors to remain focused on taking care of the body and the mind when doing this work.
The skill building space at the Hot and Cool Café offered workshops on organizing and community building, and lastly, the Solidarity Space at the Umoja Center presented panels on “Legal Solidarity with Black Liberation,” “Talking to Your Folks: Encouraging Folks to Come Alongside in Black Liberation Struggle,” and “Safety and Security Alongside Black Liberation.”
Young people enjoyed the The Kids Village, which included jump houses, rides, and games sponsored by Councilwoman Heather Hutt and the staff of Council District 10.
“When Black lives aren’t considered, Black Lives Matter is always at the forefront, demanding that Black voices and experiences be heard,” said Hutt during the event.
“I am proud and thankful to be a part of their 10th anniversary celebration, and commemorate the significance of this movement, and the profound impact it has had on the culture, our community, and the world.”
With over 2,500 people in attendance, the People’s Justice Festival was a cultivation of soul, community, and liberation and Black Lives Matter Los Angeles continues to be space for knowledge and connection for the Black community.
More From the Archives
How Young Floridians Are Fighting “Florida-Grown Fascism” Under Ron DeSantis
All over the state, symbolic waters are also on the rise, and marginalized Gen Z’ers are struggling to keep their heads above it. As DeSantis continues to expand his “war on wokeness” for his presidential bid, his policies are devastating marginalized communities, leaving many young people reeling as they try to survive in the state they call home
Attempted Murder of Black Lives Matter
They want to kill us because we are a movement driven by people who are unbought and unbossed.
Jaheim McMillan’s Mother Files $10 Billion Wrongful Death Lawsuit Against Gulfport
One year after 15-year-old Jaheim McMillan was shot and killed by a Gulfport police officer, his mother has filed a wrongful death lawsuit for $10 billion against the City of Gulfport and the officer who court documents say shot McMillan.
In February 2023, a Grand Jury cleared the officer of wrongdoing in the shooting, finding no criminal conduct on his behalf.
