Statement on Dr. Cornel West Joins the Board of Black Lives Matter Grassroots

Dr. Cornel West Joins the Board of Black Lives Matter Grassroots

One of the world’s most respected intellectuals joins the true Black Lives Matter formation.

For Immediate Release

Contact: press@blmgrassroots.org

January 9, 2024

Los Angeles, CA – Dr. Cornel West, renowned scholar, activist, author of more than twenty books, and 2024 independent candidate for President of the United States, has joined the Board of Directors for Black Lives Matter Grassroots. In this unpaid position, Dr. West generously volunteers his time, wisdom, and energy to join respected liberation movement elders, teachers, impacted families, and dedicated Black organizers who are all committed to keeping the soul of Black Lives Matter pointed in the right direction. Dr. West’s unparalleled commitment to “truth, justice, and love,” his deep intellectual legacy, and his unwavering dedication to Black freedom make him an invaluable addition to Black Lives Matter Grassroots leadership.

Dr. West is the Dietrich Bonhoeffer Chair at Union Theological Seminary, where he teaches courses on philosophy, religion, and African American critical thought. He is the author of twenty books, including the seminal works Race Matters and Democracy Matters, and has lectured around the globe on issues of race, justice, and the politics of liberation. His legacy of truth-telling, rooted in the teachings of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., aligns perfectly with the values, vision, and work of Black Lives Matter Grassroots. 

As an educator and public intellectual, Dr. West’s work has inspired countless individuals to engage with the radical ideas necessary for dismantling white supremacy and building a more just world. His activism spans five decades and was inspired by the liberation theological praxis of his home church (Shiloh Baptist), the Black Power movement, and his justice-loving, freedom-fighting parents. Dr. West has organized in the anti-Apartheid movement, the fight for reparations, for liberated Ethnic Studies, for an end to gentrification and discriminatory housing, for global peace, and for a free Palestine, and marched in the streets, stood on stages, and advocated in halls of power – from Ferguson to Los Angeles – to make Black Lives Matter.

“What an honor to have Dr. Cornel West join the leadership of Black Lives Matter Grassroots. There is no one whose life, work, and wisdom serves as a stronger guide. We have been in community with Dr. West since our formation in 2013 and are grateful to finally make it official.” says Dr. Melina Abdullah, Co-Founder and Director, Black Lives Matter Grassroots. 

Dr. West joins the Board of Black Lives Matter Grassroots at a critical moment. As an organization born from the grief and rage following the murder of 17-year-old Trayvon Martin at the hands of a violent “white” supremacist, Black Lives Matter Grassroots, and its 39 chapters continue to build on the foundation of frontline organizing, abolitionism, and a radical vision for Black futures. Dr. West’s contributions will help to shape and support the work. 

“I am blessed to join the Board of Black Lives Matter Grassroots. I look forward to working with my dear sister Melina Abdullah and the other freedom fighters, whose work is vital to moving the world towards truth, justice, and love!” says Dr. Cornel West. 

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Black Lives Matter Grassroots 

The mission of Black Lives Matter Grassroots is to support, sustain, and uplift the necessary agitations, mobilizations, community organizing, and initiatives of Black Lives Matter chapters to fulfill our sacred duty to advance Black liberation. #BlackLivesMatter was birthed to end state-sanctioned violence against Black people. Black Lives Matter Grassroots is a collective of 39 chartered chapters globally working on the ground since 2013.

Press Contact: press@blmgrassroots.org