“We can feel sad, hurt, demoralize.

But we can’t give up.”

“Our communities must demand

dignified housing, satisfying jobs,
and proper labor conditions; our
educational system must be
culturally relevant, multi-lingual,
and teach our histories. Our value
should not be determined by legal
records.”
-Patrisse Cullors

Ten Years has been some me in the world. Ten years ago, I was just 30 years old living life in 2013. A er the verdict
of the Geroge Zimmerman trial, the Black Lives Ma er movement commenced in audacious vitality. Suddenly, a new
era of the complex, expansive black freedom struggle formed with ac vism, debates, controversies, and a love of
jus ce. During this me of December 9, 2023, we witness the rightwing backlash reaching new heights with book
bans, Trump saying that he will be a dictator on Day 1 if he wins the 2024 Presidency, GOP hypocrisy (i.e. the GOP
Florida Chair being accused of rape when claiming to be for family values) and terrorism against Jewish and Arabic
people in America in the form of hate crimes (including a massive humanitarian crisis in Gaza plus many Israeli
hostages s ll not returning home). So, we can’t sugarcoat the mes that we live in. What we can do is to give charity
about our mes, find solu ons, and help our neighbors out. That is why we are born on this Earth: to help fellow
human beings and be a beacon of light plus hope in the world. The purpose of this work is to show a defini ve
account of BLM and give my personal take on its successes and show legi mate cri que. Cri que is meant to inspire
improvement not to be used as a method for horrendous demoniza on. Black Lives Ma er will con nue to exist
regardless of what far right extremists, those who hate progressives, Hoteps, and bigots have to say. Also, it is
important to make clear that our independent thinking remains paramount in our lives. No poli cal party owns us
as we are free to think independently of what the establishment does. That’s certainly Real Talk.
 e Table of Contents
1. Prologue
2. e Start
3. Growing Pains
4. Successes and Problems
5. e Major Scandals
6. Praise and Legitimate
Critique
7. Epilogue
The Black Lives Matter movement has been around for 10 years now. It has been a movement that
wants black liberation for all black people being firmly against police brutality and any form of
oppression. It has its supporters and critics. Many conservatives criticize BLM on cultural and social
issues claiming it ignores the value of black fathers and attacks the nuclear family (proponents of
BLM deny this charge). Many progressives criticize BLM on strategic and political issues claiming
that it is too decentralized and was a victim of co-option by the Democratic Party establishment
including capitalist corporations in general. So, the truth is more nuisance. The Black Lives Matter
movement was right to advocate against police brutality and for the freedom of all black people
heroically. The issue is that BLM, as time went on, became too decentralized in not forming a firm,
long-lasting infrastructure to stand up against oppression, its omission of the importance of black
fathers (citing villages is fine but praising black mothers and black fathers equally is also
revolutionary), and many members (not all members) being co-opted by neo-liberal establishment
forces (as we shall show later on). The vast majority of Black Lives Matter members are not frauds.
They are sincere people in the BLM movement who believe that they are just good people in standing
up against oppression, racism, sexism, xenophobia, and injustice. We saw massive protests made by
black people and non-black people legitimately fighting against police brutality, racism, economic
exploitation, bigotry, and all forms of oppression in Norfolk (in Virginia), in NYC, in Philadelphia,
in Dallas, in London, in Berlin, in Los Angeles, in Seattle, in Richmond (in Virginia), in Miami, in
Pittsburgh, etc. back in the year of 2020 during the George Floyd protests. That is inspirational, and
that act should be commended. Many conservatives are wrong to say that the BLM movement
collectively want riots to destroy America when police terror is the definition of a terrorist
riot. Police terror ruins families, readily involves murder, and suppresses the human rights of tons
of human beings of every background.

BLM is right to condemn Donald Trump as an authoritarian fascist (Trump has threatened to come
down on the media, abolish the Constitution, use the military to suppress peaceful domestic protests
in America in violation of Posse Comitatus, and promote more anti-democratic policies overtly).
Trump still believes in the lie that the 2020 election was stolen. The vast majority of anti-racism and
anti-police brutality protests have been peaceful. Likewise, critique (like disagreeing with one
founder saying that she is a Marxist activist. Karl Marx was a racist, a self-loathing anti-Semitic
extremist, and religious bigot who shouldn't be honored as a hero. Marx had explicitly written that
he wanted religion to be abolished in society which is anti-democratic as people have the right to
believe in religion or not in a free and open society) is necessary for any human analysis of social
movements as no human is immune from legitimate critique (without ad hominem attacks).
Therefore, I wanted to show what Black Lives Matter did right and show critiques to put the historic
movement into context. That is just poignant and fair.

The Start
How did the Black Lives Matter movement black America was at a crossroads. The Civil
start? First, it started in phases. Everything begins Rights Movement from 1954 to 1968 was the
with Africa. Black people are the original people Moses Generation seeing the end of overt
on Earth. Without us, there is no other human bondage but not witnessing the Promised Land
life in every area on Earth. The Maafa caused yet. The era of Moses was the time when black
unspeakable horror against innocent black people in a grassroots fashion executed
human beings via rape, torture, suppression of unprecedented boycotts, self-defense, and mass
culture, divisions, and total terrorism that demonstrations to call for equality and justice.
resulted in the murder of millions of human lives. Just before the late Dr. King died, he shifted a
Racist Europeans, racist Arabic people, and others little and called for reparations for black
are complicit in the Maafa completely. Yet, black Americans, an end to the Vietnam War, a boycott
people fought back against tyranny with slave of the 1968 Olympics, the building of black-
revolts, protests, being involved in the American owned institutions, and a radical redistribution of
Civil War, and setting up institutions to grow self- economic and political power.
determination and black ingenuity (that inspire us
all today). After the deaths of Malcolm X in 1965, The Joshua Generation is part of us. We,
Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. in 1968, Fred who are in this Joshua Generation, saw the Jordan
Hampton in 1969, and countless black people, River and crossed it into the beginning steps of
the Promised Land. Yet, we have not seen justice
for all or the full breadth of the Promised Land Alicia Garza, and Opal Tometi. At first, the Black
yet (as economic inequality, book bans, voter Lives Matter Network was an online platform that
suppression, education disparities, health existed to provide activists with a shared set of
disparities, etc. exist in 2023). During this time, principles and goals. It came after the verdict of
we saw black people reach the heights of George Zimmerman after he murdered Trayvon
popularity, influence, and cultural growth (with Martin (in 2012 in Florida. I was 29 years old
people like Michael Jordan, Oprah Winfrey, Mae during that time and remember that time like
Jemison, Maya Angelou, Denzel Washington, yesterday) which caused huge outrage in the black
LeBron James, Jennifer Hudson, Imani Perry, community and freedom-loving people
etc.). Yet, our overall wealth has stagnated as everywhere. By July of 2013, the hashtag of
economic inequality has grown worldwide. It is #BlackLivesMatter was on social media. The jury
fine to have a job but ultimately, we need to have acquitted George Zimmerman.
institutions, we need a better environment, we
need to fight poverty, we need to improve our This caused a massive movement to grow.
health care, and we need the overall structure of Alicia Garza, Patrisse Cullors, and Opal Tometi
society to change in benefiting the people were adamantly clear in opposing the police
collectively (not just a small minority of human killings of innocent black people. Garza made the
beings in the 1%). hashtag of #BlackLivesMatter. The campaign of
Black Lives Matter grew. In 2013, the Black Lives
The Black Lives Matter movement Matter organization was starting to bloom, and
combined the grassroots, decentralized institution 2014 would change everything for Black Lives
of SNCC mixed with the progressive segment of Matter and the black freedom movement in
the Black Power Movement combined. The Black general. In 2014, Michael Brown was shot and
Lives Matter movement was created in July 2013 killed by the police in Ferguson, Missouri.
by three human beings who are Patrisse Cullors,

EARLY FERUGSON PROTESTORS AND ACTIVISTS

Johne a Elzie DeRay Bri any Samuel Alisha Fran Griffin Bassem
Mckesson Packne Sinyangwe Sonnier Masri

There is s ll the mystery on why ac vist Darren Seals

(1987-2016) passed away. He was a childhood friend of the
Michael Brown family. He fought racial injus ce, gun
violence, and police brutality. He grew up in Ferguson,
Missouri too. His body was found shot (via murder) in a
burning car like many other black vic ms like Deandre
Joshua. Regardless of how anyone thinks of Darren Seals’s
poli cs, Darren Seals had a great love for his community
Darren Seals and worked hard to invest in chari es in his community. He
deserved to live on this Earth with his family and friends.
The events of Fergusion in Missouri back in 2014 changed everything. Nothing would be
the same again in world history.

The Department of Justice would later at racism and police brutality without apology.
document massive racism and economic People have every right to protest, use civil
oppression done by law enforcement against the disobedience, and use self-defense. The vast
people of Ferguson (especially against the black majority of the Ferguson protests were peaceful.
residents of Ferguson, Missouri). In that year of
2014, Black Lives Matter members and activists Later, Darren Wilson, the officer who
from all over the globe came to Ferguson to killed Michael Brown would not be convicted. In
protest injustice. Many rebellions happened in July of 2014, Eric Garner was killed in New York
Ferguson on such a scale never witnessed in City after a policeman put him in a chokehold
American history since the 1992 rebellion in Los while arresting him. Protests existed in New York
Angeles. The National Guard came into Ferguson City and globally over such a cowardly act. Later,
and used tear gas, sound weapons, and other Black Lives Matter co-founder Patrisse Cullors
tactics to control the crowds. Yet, no one can stop organized the Black Life Matters Ride, which had
freedom and truth. about 600 people and sparked the founding of
more localized Black Lives Matter groups. Soon,
Much of the rebellions included unjust Black Lives Matter would have international
violence against innocent property. I don't agree chapters in many countries on the Earth.
with that (as people, building our own
infrastructure and institutions is better than In 2014, the police killed Dontre
burning and destroying innocent property. Hamilton, John Crawford III, Ezell Ford, Laquan
Destroying innocent property has nothing to do McDonald, Akai Gurley, Antonio Martin, Jerame
with self-defense or fighting a just cause because Reid, etc. By December of 2014, many people
the state readily exploits that to pass even more protested the killing of unarmed black people by
authoritarian laws which makes oppression even the police in the Mall of America in Bloomington,
worse), but people have every right to be outraged Minnesota in 2000-3000 people in protest.
 Growing Pains
In the year of 2015, there were more murdered by the police and other folks. They
incidents of police killings of black people in made people be aware of the deaths of Meagan
America. In that year, Freddie Gray died in Hockaday, Aiyana Jones, Rekia Boyd, and other
custody in Baltimore, Maryland (where many of human beings. You can’t be a freedom lover
my relatives live at. I visited Baltimore in 2016). without showing empathy for the lives of black
Baltimore later experienced its largest rebellion girls and black women period.
since 1968. Freddie Gray was a victim of
economic oppression and racial injustice. By June of 2015, the racist Dylann Roof
Economic inequality has been found in many murdered many black people in a historically
areas of Baltimore and worldwide. This economic black church in Charleston, South Carolina. The
inequality contributed heavily to many of the black victims of the Charleston church just
social and political problems founded in wanted to peacefully worship God in their own
oppressed, marginalized communities. capacities. They were innocent people who loved
life, and their souls are always valuable in the
Walter Scott, Meagan Hockaday were also Universe. Many people protested and held vigils
killed by the police. Black Lives Matters readily in Charleston, South Carolina. The city of
acknowledges the LGBTQ+ community (as Charleston came today in a spirit of unity to stand
Cullors and Garza are part of the LGBTQ+ for inclusion in opposing murder and bigotry.
community) which is why they make it known About 800 people protested in McKinney, Texas
about the 21 transgender people who were killed after a video showed officers pinning down a girl
in America in 2015 alone (13 of the victims were at a pool party in Texas. People protested the
black people). By May of 2015, a Black Lives death of Sandra Bland too who was found hanged
Matter in San Francisco was part of the in a jail cell in Waller County, Texas. By August
SayHerName movement. SayHerName is about of 2015, Janelle Monae, Jidenna, and other BLM
the goal of shining the light on the plight of black activists marched through North Philadelphia to
women and black girls being abused, raped, and
 bring awareness of police brutality and Black Lives
Matter.

Colin Kaepernick and other human beings inspired many in the younger generation to not only kneel in protest but to be active in
social justice efforts. We must know about the law, organize, and do just action in getting justice for all that we all seek.

In 2016, Black Lives Matter grew further Black History Month in the state of Virginia. It
organizing protests against police brutality and featured the work of over 30 black artists and
racism against black people. The police killings of creators. Black Lives Matter protests continue in
Deborah Danner, Korryn Gaines, Sylville Smith, America after the officer accused of killing
Terence Crucher, Alfred Olango, Alton Sterling, Philando Castile was found not guilty.
and other black human beings happened. Early
July of 2016 witnessed over 100 protests across 2017 was the historic year of the first year
America after Sterling's death on July 5th, 2016, of the racist Trump Presidency. It would be the
and Philando Castile's shooting the next day. Summer of 2017 when anti-Semites and white
2016 also saw an increased number of celebrities racists were involved in the Unite The Right rally
like athletes speaking out in favor of Black Lives in Charlottesville, Virginia to promote racist
Matter like LeBron James, Dwyane Wade, and Confederate monuments on public lands. I am a
Carmelo Anthony (who opened the awards black man from Virginia, so I know racism
ceremony in July 2016 by saying "Enough is firsthand in Virginia. By August of 2017, Black
Enough"). Lives Matter were among the counter-protestors
who desired racial justice. Later, racists assaulted
From 2016, in August onward, many peaceful anti-racist protesters, and one innocent
people knelled to protest the national anthem at woman was murdered by a Neo-Nazi in
sports games. It started with Colin Kaepernick Charlottesville. The woman's name is Heather
who knelt during the anthem ahead of an NFL Meyer. Donald Trump said the evil statement that
game. The USA national anthem was created by a there were good people on both sides causing
white racist slave owner from Baltimore named widespread condemnation. In 2018, Cullors told
Francis Scott Key (the original national anthem ABC News in an interview that Black Lives Matter
condoned slavery overtly). By February 2017 (on helped to promote civil disobedience in America.
Black History Month), Black History Month was She said that the Black Lives Matter movement is
celebrated in America. In 2017, Black Lives the foundation of movements like Women's
Matter put on their first art exhibition to celebrate March, Me Too, and March for Our Lives
(fighting for gun control). This was the 5th year convened a group of 60 high-profile stars from the
anniversary of Black Lives Matter. music and entertainment arenas to advocate for
his release. In May of 2019, Oklahoma teenager
Greachrio Mack and Kenneth Ross Jr. were killed Isaiah Lewis was shot by the police and killed.
by the police in 2018. By February of 2019, hip- Days later. Black Lives Matter held a 100-strong
hop artist 21 Savage was arrested and detained by rally in protest.
the U.S. Immigration agency of ICE. Cullors

Some of the Fruits of the Black Lives Matter Movement

 The movement caused an increase of the filming of black human lives
being victims of police brutality, harassment, and other evils done by evil
people.

 Black Lives Matter helped to cause a policy discussion and some laws
being changed involving implicit bias training, body cameras, bans on no
knock warrants, and other legal issues.

 Black Lives Matter helped the victims and the victims’ families to receive
just economic compensation after being victims of police brutality.

 Black Lives Matter helped to grow more federal oversight over cities
whose police departments have documented incidents of racism, police
misconduct, and economic exploitation in areas like Ferguson, St. Louis,
Louisville, Baltimore, Minneapolis, etc.

 The movement caused many data collection institutions to record

information for racial disparities to be reduced involving law enforcement
policies.

 The movement caused a new generation of activists, elected officials, and

other political leaders to express their views in favor of justice for all.

 The Mothers of the Movement is about the mothers of the victims of

police terror who have worked together to fight for social change, to fight
for reasonable gun regulations, and to invest into safe communities
beneficial to all people.
The source of this picture is from REUTERS/Adam
Anderson.

BLACK HEROISM IN ACTION

On June 27, 2015, the heroic black woman “You can have “access” to anything but only if
you can a ord it. at is not a public health
Bree Newsome-Bass claimed up on a pole to
system. at’s why 1000+Americans are dying
take down the racist Confederate flag on each week from COVID alone, maternal &
statehouse grounds in Columbia, South infant mortality are up, gun violence & drugs
Carolina. For decades, people wanted to are epidemics. ere’s no health system only
eliminate that flag from statehouse weapons.”
grounds. Bree Newsome and other Brothers
and Sisters for decades worked hard to -Bree Newsome-Bass
finally eliminate that racist flag of
extremism and hate from South Carolina
statehouse ground forever. To this day, she
has stood up for black liberation and an end
to the system of oppression fully.

This is Bree Newsome-Bass in recent years

welcoming new college freshman students at
the CSUN (California State University,
Northridge).
 Successes and
Problems
By 2020, it was a new era of the black justice. Black Lives Matter also organized protests
freedom movement. 2020 saw the largest anti- in London after Floyd's murder. Aima who was 18
police brutality and anti-racism protests in human and Tash who was 21 organized a rally in Trafalgar
history. It was that large. These protests came after Square.
the recorded death of George Floyd in
Minneapolis. The video showed a police officer Millions of people protested in New York
kneeling on Floyd's neck for minutes. The cop's City, Los Angeles, Miami, Berlin, Philadelphia,
name is Derek Chauvin, who was charged with Houston, etc. John Boyega joined 15,000 people
2nd-degree murder. The other 2 officers involved in Hyde Park to stand up for the dignity of George
were charged too. In 2020, Breonna Taylor was Floyd, Sandra Bland, etc. In America alone in
killed by an officer in Louisville, Kentucky too. 2020, there were about 15-26 million people who
Derek Chauvin was convicted for his crimes participated in the 2020 Black Lives Matter
which was a crucial victory in the movement for protests.

‘
 By November of 2020, Joe Biden won the ATLANTA
Presidential election winning Nevada, Georgia, One Black Mecca
Arizona, and other states in a historic fashion.
Black people voted in large numbers to cause As the most populous city of the state of Georgia,
Biden to win against Trump. After the 2021 Atlanta represents a large part of black humanity with
January 6th insurrection, the Black Lives Matter its massive culture, music, businesses, religious
institutions, and excellence. The following images
movement was nominated for the Nobel Peace below show many of Atlanta’s vital infrastructure.
Prize by Norwegian MP Petter Eide.

By April 20, 2021, former police officer

Derek Chauvin was found guilty on all three
counts of killing Goerge Floyd. Crowds
worldwide celebrated. George Floyd's brother
Philonise Floyd and Darnella Fraizer (who
recorded the video) celebrated. By May 25, 2023,
Floyd's family met with Biden in the White
House. By January 2022, the three men who killed
Ahmaud Arbery were sentenced to life in prison. This image above shows Atlanta’s Downtown area.
President Biden promoted policies addressing
police reform.

In 2023, now we experience 10 years of the

The Ebenezer The Centennial The Georgia
Black Lives Matter movement. We have a long
Baptist Church Olympic Park State Capitol
way to go as Trumpism with the MAGA
movement has caused another resurgence of far-
right extremism. Now, only 51 percent of adults
in America support Black Lives Matter in 2023.
Back in 2020, about 67 percent of Americans
supported the Black Lives Matter movement.
FOX Theater The Museum The World of
of Design Coca Cola
Atlanta
(MODA)
 Ella Baker
A Black Woman who was an Intellectual Giant

Rest in Power Sister

Ella Baker
Genius surrounded the late Sister Ella
Baker. She was born in Norfolk, Virginia.
Ella Baker is so influen al in the Civil
Rights Movement that she is the Mother
of much of the Modern Day Civil Rights
Movement. She lived from 1903 to 1986.
Ella Baker fought for our freedom for
decades. She worked in New York City
and all over the South plus na onwide in
the cause of jus ce. She worked with
W.E.B. DuBois, Thurgood Marshall, A.
Philip Randolph, and Dr. Mar n Luther
King Jr. She mentored Diane Nash,
Kwame Ture, and Bob Moses (who were
Ella Baker spoke at a members of Student Nonviolent
news conference on Coordina ng Commi ee or SNCC). In
January 3, 1968. Ruby fact, Ella Baker was the Mother of SNCC
Dee was at right. Source: who helped to organize it as a
decentralized, grassroots organiza on in
Jack Harris/AP Images.
the state of North Carolina. SNCC was
like BLM back then because of its
grassroots, decentralized nature.

Ella Baker wanted democra c movements for social

change. She was one of the most influen al women
in the civil rights movement. During the 1960's, Ella
Baker wanted to link civil rights to civil liber es. We
know that she disagreed with the Vietnam War.
Baker was a friend to John Henrik Clarke and Pauli
Murray. She wanted racism and sexism in the world
to be abolished. She fought for black libera on, the
rights of the poor, the Puerto Rican independence
ese books give an excellent amount of information on movement, an end to apartheid in South Africa, and
the wide ranging, inspirational life story of Ella Baker. She freedom for all oppressed people. She lived to be
was one of the intellectual originators of the modern-day 83 years old.
Black Lives Matter movement including SNCC.
 The Major ScandalS
The Black Lives Matter movement has What is the truth? George Soros is a
been a victim of two major scandals. They have Hungarian American billionaire investor and
survived both scandals, but BLM will never be the philanthropist. He donated billions of dollars to
same afterward. The first scandal was made by the Open Society Foundation. The Open Society
conservatives and Hoteps who hate BLM views Foundation funds many people and movements,
because they believe that some people (not all including many progressive causes. The Open
people) should have basic human rights. They are Society has funded groups like the Organization
wrong because all human beings should have for Black Struggle, Missourians Organizing for
equality and basic human freedoms from Reform and Empowerment, and funded the Tides
birthright. Equality and justice don't have Foundation. Yet, the Open Society Foundation
asterisks next to them. Many of the conservatives doesn't fund every organization linked to the
and Hoteps made the charge that George Soros Black Lives Matter movement. Some believe that
funds Black Lives Matter directly, Soros is a bad Soros was a former Nazi which is false and a
character, and therefore BLM is discredited as an slander. Soros and his family were Hungarian
authentic freedom-loving organization. The lie Jewish people who were trying to flee the Nazis
from them is that George Soros is the ultimate during World War II. Soros never swore to
puppet master funding every aspect of Black Lives destroy America either. Soros doesn't own and
Matter. Many people who believe in this lie are control ANTIFA and Black Lives Matter. BLM is
blatantly anti-Semites who use Soros in a coded a very decentralized organization. The Black Lives
fashion to disguise their hatred of Jewish people. Matter organization is also international being
created by Opal Tometi, Patrisse Cullors, and
Alicia Garza. Many far-right people accused Soros
of paying for protesters after Trump's election
which is false. The truth is that the Open Society by saying that she didn't do anything wrong. She
Foundation funds progressive causes, but Soros is said that her actions are about taking care of her
not some elite controller of Black Lives Matter as family and the criticism has been an effort
BLM is a highly horizontal, independent (according to her) to discredit and harass her and
organization. her family by the political right.

The other scandal is the obvious one. It's By April 13, 2021, the Black Lives Matter
the elephant in the room. This came about years Global Network Foundation denied that it had
ago. The BLM co-founder Patrisse Marie Khan- paid for her purchases of real estate. They said
Cullors Birgnac has been accused by many on the that didn't paid her since 2019 and she only
far right of many things. It started in 2021. Some received $120,000 since 2013 for carrying out her
media circles accused Cullors or people associated work related to the organization. Her other
with her for purchasing many homes during a five- brother Paul, a graffiti artist and founded Cullors
year period. Her critics say that she is using the Protection LLC, received $840,000 from
Black Lives Matter movement to enrich herself BLMGNF for security and consulting. Cullors
and her family while calling her a hypocrite for defended hiring her brother, saying registered
purchasing the houses as someone who calls security firms that hired former police officers
herself a Marxist. Cullors has responded forcibly could not be trusted.
 Some BLM activists accused her of promote her own documentaries and stories?
"monopolizing and capitalizing our fight." Ten Warner Brothers is the epitome of a capitalist
local chapters of the Foundation claimed that enterprise. Also, Karl Marx is no role model for
Cullors became its executive director “against the any progressive or anyone of any background. Karl
will of most chapters and without their Marx was a racist, anti-Semitic religious bigot who
knowledge,” that chapter organizers were spewed hatred of humanity constantly in his life.
prevented from influencing the group's direction, In The Communist Manifesto, Marx announced
and that the national organization provided little a war on eternal truths, religion, and morality in
to no financial support for local chapters since its his own following quotation, “There are, besides,
inception in 2013. Cullors resigned from eternal truths, such as Freedom, Justice, etc., that
leadership of the Foundation the next month, are common to all states of society. But
and later revealed psychological exhaustion from Communism abolishes eternal truths, it abolishes
the controversy, stating that she was receiving all religion, and all morality, instead of
treatment for post-traumatic stress disorder. constituting them on a new basis; it therefore acts
in contradiction to all past historical experience.”
In 2022, she denied allegations of misusing The previous words from Karl Marx in quotations
donations given to the Black Lives Matter Global are from his book The Communist Manifesto in
Network Foundation but admitted that she Chapter 2.
hosted two parties at a mansion the BLM
Foundation purchased for $6 million, which she The reality is that we believe in morality,
regretted. The lesson about these stories is that eternal truths, and religious freedom. Marx spoke
any social movement must have advisors (in of his own son-in-law, Paul Lafargue, husband of
dealing with leadership, accountability, his daughter Laura in offensive terms. Paul came
economics, and having plans to deal with from Cuba, born in Santiago, and Marx thus
controversies). You can't be too decentralized Marx called him slurs like “Negrillo” or “the
which increases the risk of errors to exist. As the Gorilla.” In November 1882, still 14 years after
viewer, look at all the evidence and make up your Lafargue and Laura married, Marx wrote to Engels
own mind. What are my views? My view is that the following racist words, “Lafargue has the
Patrisse should have used more wise judgments blemish customarily found in the negro tribe — no
financially, even if she did nothing illegal or sense of shame, by which I mean shame about
immoral. Also, how can she claim to be a Marxist making a fool of oneself.” So, no black person or
and want to have a deal with Warner Brothers to
any person of any color period should respect Karl than the rest of us, he is undoubtedly the most
Marx at all. appropriate representative of that district.”

When on holiday in Ramsgate in 1879, That is why while I am a progressive on

Karl Marx reported to Engels that the resort economic issues (as I believe in a strong social
contained “many Jews and fleas" which is straight safety net, Social Security, the Earned Income Tax
up anti-Semitism. In an earlier letter to Engels, Credit, a radical redistribution of economic and
Marx referred to Ferdinand Lassalle as a “Jewish political power, a living wage, supporting unions,
n____.” Marx’s essay, On the Jewish Question, and progressive taxation), I repudiate Marxism.
originally published in 1844 contains the Marxism by Karl Marx's own words is anti-eternal
following anti-Semitic screed: "What is the worldly truth and anti-morality. Now, if I knew of this
religion of the Jew? Huckstering. What is his information for years, don't you think many
worldly God? Money.…. Money is the jealous god Marxists know these facts. Many do and some still
of Israel, in face of which no other god may exist. praise Marx which is totally hypocritical. It is
Money degrades all the gods of man – and turns important to note that Karl Marx didn't invent
them into commodities…. The bill of exchange is Communism. Centuries before Marx was born,
the real god of the Jew. His god is only an illusory communist thought existed. I believe in freedom
bill of exchange…. The chimerical nationality of of conscience, so people have the right to be
the Jew is the nationality of the merchant, of the Communist or not in a free and open society. I
man of money in general..." Engels was a racist don't agree with every aspect of Communism, but
too. In an April 1887 letter to Paul’s wife, Engels I don't believe in McCarthyism either. I certainly
cruelly opined, “Being in his quality as a n___, a don't view capitalism as infallible either as I have
degree nearer to the rest of the animal kingdom my critiques of capitalism too. To make change,
you must embrace moral principles and integrity.
 CELEBRATING BLACK CUISINE

There has been the growth of black

Bryant Terry (on the left) and A. owned businesses. The image
Breeze Harper (on the right) are above showed the family of
prominent black American vegans. Maxine’s Chicken & Waffles (132 There is a spirit of joy
Veganism is the practice of abstaining North East Street) in Indianapolis involving cooking. These
from the use of animal products— (cooking waffles, chicken, grits, Brothers and Sisters
particularly in diet—and an associated potatoes, eggs, sausage, etc.). The
experience happiness in
philosophy that rejects the commodity image showed Brian Bunnell
status of animals. Vegan foods are a (grandson to Maxine) and 2 of their gift of expressing
key part of black cuisine spanning the Maxine’s daughters (Donniece cuisine to the world in an
eons of time. Owens and Shirley Grundy). The excellent fashion.
source of the picture is Frank
Espich/The Star.

A labor of love relates to cuisine in our community.

Time, care, and joy represent the essence of cooking.
People all over the world have promoted unity and
tolerance in the realm of cuisine culture. Black people
have included some of the best cooking experts of all
In America, African
human history. Being 40 years old now since
Americans love gumbo
December 2023 is a blessing. In real life, I have
Edna Regina Lewis was one of in Louisiana and all over
the great chiefs of all me. She
cooked a lot from oatmeal, stuffing, steak, grits,
the country. Native
was a teacher who wrote about breakfast sausages, vegetables, and other foods for Americans, French
American Southern cooking. She many years. It's an enjoyable experience when you put Creole, and other
establishes dishes filled with your foot into making dishes. Today, we have a new human beings celebrate
greens, fresh vegetables, pork, generation of cooking experts promoting more the food of gumbo too
and fried chicken. She earned healthy food options from vegan to other types of ( lled with rice, meats,
many awards by her own merit. plant-based diets. From cookouts to holiday sauce, and other foods).
celebrations, black cuisine is diverse and magnificent.

Jessica Hylton-Leckie
has been a self-taught
home chef. She loves
to cook vegetarian
foods recipes for In black culture, the black chef is a
The cookout in the black
breakfast, lunch, major anchor in our community.
community is a place filled with
dinner, dessert, They help to provide us with food
the me of joy, relaxing, humor,
snacks, etc. She and give vibrant strength in life
and feeling authen c camaraderie.
survived being sick (like chef Robert W. Lee who is on
Steaks, hot dogs, chicken, water,
and having doctors’ the le ). The Sister on the right is
vegetables, and other foods are
chef Mariya Russell being the first
found in cookouts worldwide. appointments to
black woman to receive the
living her best life.
Michelin star.
 STATISTICS ABOUT BLACK HUMAN LIVES

The largest populations of Black

Americans by State (in the milions)
4 3.5 3.3 3.2
2.9 The African American
3
2
2.2 2.1 1.82 1.8 1.6 1.47 Population (in the millions)
1
0 50 41.1
38.9
40 34.4
30
30

20
The largest populations of Black Americans by State (in 10
the milions)
0
1990 2000 2010 2020

1990 2000 2010 2020

The Religious/NonReligious Affiliations of African Americans (in Percentages)

2
1 11
1
1
1

5 The religious choir represents

a large part of African
Donna Summer became a 4 American culture. Black
born-again Chris an Americans of every creed have
before her passing. She been inspired by the choir to
59
was raised singing religious do construc ve ac ons in
songs in the church too. 15 helping fellow people
worldwide for decades and
centuries.

Black Protestants Evangelical Protestant Mainline Protestants Roman Catholics

Jehovah Witnesses Other Christian groups Muslims Other religions
Unaffiliated Atheist or Agnostic
You don’t have to disregard or minimize the past to establish new tactics in the present to
establish a better future. Our ancestors deserve our total respect for their sacrifice for our
rights.

Praise and Legitimate

Critique
Also, it is important to give credit to the where leaders arise to clearly articulate not only
Black Lives Matter movement in many areas. policies and goals but how they will get to those
Black Lives Matter helped to give new strength goals. As Carson Clayborne has said,
and vigor to the overall black freedom struggle. It
has galvanized many people to protest and work "One thing that I think everyone
would agree on is that the young
in organizations to fight back against racism and
people who are sparking these protests
oppression in general. Its fruit has been the have no single charismatic, supremely
conviction of the murderer of George Floyd. It has articulate leader. One of the
been an inspiration for so many human beings consequences is they don’t control the
who desire hope for the future. Black Lives Matter messaging of it. I think that is one of the
gave many men, women, and children the weaknesses of Black Lives Matter.
There is no established leadership to
opportunities to express their frustrations at evil
articulate messages. What is the goal?
and do something about it in constructive avenues Is it simply to express anger or is to
like making art, being an activist, working in achieve reform about police behavior?
schools, using almsgiving, and going into the If it is to bring about reform, then what
political realm in desiring political change. would that look like? It doesn’t have to
There are many critiques of the movement be one charismatic spokesperson. It
could be many leaders, but there needs
too. One issue is that Black Lives Matter seems to
to be people saying, ‘This is what we
be too decentralized. There is nothing wrong with want’ and clearly articulating that.
some decentralization as we don't want one That’s just not happening now with any
person to control a whole movement restricting consistency."
egalitarian power. Yet, there must be a structure
 Another issue is that many corporate interests and "We are not our ancestors." The truth is that our
corporate political party interests seek to infiltrate ancestors were some of the most courageous
BLM and turn it into a political arm of the people in human history and their sacrifice should
establishment instead of existing as a politically never be downplayed or disrespected by anyone
independent movement. Also, many BLM period.
advisors use the offensive, disrespectful slogan of

THE TIMELINE OF UNSUNG EVENTS OF MODERN BLACK HISTORY

The Supreme Court Massive Hands Up, Don’t Paulette Brown was the The National Museum Deborah Archer is
decision of Shelby Shoot demonstrations rst African American of African American the rst African
County v. Holder gutted existed nationwide in woman President of the History and Culture American President
part of the Voting Rights America plus American Bar (NMAAC) opened on of the American Civil
Act in a disgraceful internationally in 2014 Association. September 14, 2016, Liberties Union
fashion on June 23, being a monumental (ACLU).
2013 historic event.
2013 2014 2015 2016 2021
 BLACK LIVES MATTER AND CULTURE
Massive culture always deals with the Black Lives Matter movement. Literature, athletics, movies, TV shows,
fashion, art, protests, and other environments have encouraged many themes from BLM and the black freedom
struggle in their everyday lives. Black culture has always been international in scope, and that greatness has
resulted in some of the most important human innovations of all of world history. I always feel blessed to have
this opportunity to not only express my views but to inspire good energy in the Universe.

NBA players, coaches, and The WNBA has also been a

fans have been some of the powerful voice in supporting
strongest supporters of the Black Lives Matter. Black men,
Black Lives Ma er movement. Black women, and Black
Many human beings have children deserve to live a life
knelled in protes ng racial lled with joy, happiness, liberty,
There were the words of Black love, autonomy, and justice.
injus ce. We want all people
Lives Matter on the façade of
to be free period.
the Washington, National
Cathedral on June 10, 2020.

Prince gave a speech in Beyonce and Kendrick Lamar Art can be used as a One of the most
favor of code and in favor gave an emotional performance revolutionary expression. in uential books in our
of black human lives. He of “Freedom” in favor of black e image above shows generation is e Hate U
passed away in 2016, but liberation. Beyonce and her artwork in Minneapolis to Give by Angie omas. It
he had a strong sense of dancers celebrated the 60th year make us aware that we have is a personal story about
consciousness to speak anniversary of the Black Panther a problem in the world that a young 16-year-old girl
out on important issues Party during the Super Bowl (in can’t be solved by Starr seeing her friend
from ownership of the song of Formation). compromise or Khalil killed by the
resources by artists Kendrick Lamar made the Black moderation. Revolutionary police. Starr and her
against corporate Lives Matter anthem song of solutions are necessary to family discuss issues in
corruption to standing up Alright (in opposing police combat systematic racism nding ways to core and
for the freedom of black terrorism and celebrating black and economic injustices. use their power to stand
people. resiliency). up for truth and justice.
The Black Lives Matter movement came about in 2013. The reality is that BLM is in the early stages
of its growth. For example, the NAACP has been around for over 100 years. The Chicago Defender
newspaper has been around for decades. Ebony and Jet have been around for decades too. So, we
must wait and see what Black Lives Matter will evolve into to comprehensively evaluate its long-
term legacy. During the times of the Hamas and Israeli war, BLM has been clear to defend
Palestinian human rights. What Hamas did to Israeli civilians has no justification. Hamas is a
terrorist organization whose leaders want to not only make Israel not exist at all, but one leader said
that they want Christians and Jewish people to be ruled by radical extremists. For example, Senior
Hamas Official Mahmoud Al-Zahar on December 12, 2022, said that he wants the entire planet to
follow Hamas's law and desire no more Jewish people and no more Christian "traitors." That will
never happen. Also, the dignity of Palestinian human life must be respected. There is no excuse for
the occupation of the West Bank and Gaza. There is no excuse for some far-right Israelis advocating
leveling Gaza and other racist rhetoric against Palestinian people. There is no excuse for cutting off
water, electricity, etc. in Gaza that will harm human life. There is no excuse for massive checkpoints,
massive travel restrictions, and other anti-democratic policies against Palestinians in the West Bank.
 FREEDOM FIGHTERS

Medgar Evers stood tall against Eroseanna Robinson was a great Erica Garner was an activist for the end
the fascists during World War II, social activist who was a track and of police brutality and all oppression in
as a veteran of the Normandy field star (being a leading high general. She is the daughter of Eric
invasion, during the 1940’s. He jumper and winning the National Garner, who was a victim of a deadly
also fought to end Jim Crow AAU Championships in 1958. She chokehold placed upon him by a NYPD
apartheid in Mississippi in joined the U.S. Track and Field officer. She lived from 1990 to 2017.
desiring voting rights for black team). He used nonviolent Erica Garner grew up in Brooklyn, New
human beings and total equality resistance to oppose racial York City. She was constantly in the
worldwide. He sacrificed his life discrimination and imperialism in streets to speak truth to power and
for our freedom, and he loved his the world. She used hunger strikes seek justice that we all desire in our
wife and children. A man with a in resisting war efforts. She refused time in the 2020’s too.
great love for his wife and to stand for the national anthem in
children is a blessed man. protest of injustice.

Therefore, we must be real in the situation and advocate for real liberation for Israelis and
Palestinians in the region without occupation. People shouldn't blame every action by the Israeli
government on every Israeli or every Jewish person on Earth. The humanitarian crisis in Gaza is just
a tragedy (with over 17,700 Palestinians who are dead), and there should be an immediate ceasefire.
Isaac Herzog is a liar to blame the Palestinian people for Hamas's evil actions. There is a distinction
between Hamas terrorists (I don't agree with one chapter of BLM showing an image of a Hamas
glider when Hamas murdered innocent men, women, children, and babies. That chapter used
sarcasm, not a true apology later as well) and Palestinian people fighting for survival literally.
Therefore, as a black person, I believe in Black Lives. I believe in oppressed people being free from
injustice worldwide without exceptions. Like always, Black Lives Matter.

By Timothy
 Malcolm X and Nation of Islam
members on April 14 stand up for New
York Temple member Johnson Hinton
On May 19, 1925, Malcolm X was sent to prison
who was brutally beaten by the police.
Malcolm X was born in Charlestown,
Malcolm X led a protest, created a
in Omaha, Massachusetts for grand
lawsuit, and won the case for a
Nebraska to Earl larceny, breaking and
settlement in New York City which was
and Louise Lettle, entering, and rearms
very miraculous during that time in
being the fourth possession.
1957.
child. His parents
followed Garveyism.
Malcolm X was
great scholar early
on.

Malcolm X
used power,
“I’m going to
ac vism,
tell it like it debate, and
is. I hope you organiza on
can take it to promote
like it is.” black
libera on as
-Malcolm X he loved the
cause of
jus ce. His
memory is
remembered
by us forever.

The Life and Times of the late Malcolm X (1925-1965)

On February 21, 1965,

Malcolm X was
assassinated at an
OAAU rally in Harlem,
New York City. Ossie Malcolm X spoke out against
Davis a great eulogy on the LAPD killing of Ronald
Malcolm X formed his own
February 27, 1965. In Stokes on April 27, 1962.
organizaiton called Organization of
that year, The Stokes’ funeral was attended
Afro-American Unity (OAAU) to
Autobiography of by about 2,000 people. Stokes
promote Pan-African unity, he
Malcolm X was was unarmed and murdered.
traveled the world (from Nigeria,
published being one of Malcolm X gave a passionate
Ghana, Liberia, Egypt, etc.). to
the greatest books of speech that wanted action after
promote anti-imperialism and had his
all time. an unarmed black man was
Hajj in Mecca (to grow his
killed in cold blood.
consciousness and desiring the
United Nations to confront racism of
African Americans).
 More African American Firsts in the 2020’s

In 2020, the rst The rst full time African Damian Williams is the The rst Afro- Dr. Melissa L. Gilliam
African American American woman NFL rst African American Caribbean American is the rst black
Professor of Poetry, coach is Jennifer King of U.S. Attorney for the woman elected to American woman
the rst African the Washington Southern District of New Speaker of the New President of Boston
American woman Commanders in 2021. York in 2021. York City Council is University in October
Professor, and the Adrienne Adams in of 2023.
rst Distinguished 2022.
Visting Poetry
Professor at Iowa
Writer’s Workshop is
Tracie Morris.

Events of Black Joy

These black women won the 4 X 100m relay race in the 2023 World Track and Field
Championships. Their names are: Tamari Davis, Twanisha Terry, Gabrielle Thomas, and
Sha’Carri Richardson.

These black men won the the 4 X 100m relay race in the 2023 World Track and Field
Championships. Their names are: Noah Lyles, Fred Kerley, Brandon Carnes, and Christian
Coelman.
Peace and Blessings Y’all