Despite millions being donated to the network, local chapters have lacked support & resources from national leadership. As a result, much of our local community work continues to be erased. #BlackLivesMatter #BLM10 pic.twitter.com/JdbJOP53op
— Black Lives Matter DC (@DMVBlackLives) November 30, 2020
Local Black Lives Matter chapters are demanding transparency from BLM’s parent organization, Black Lives Matter Global Network (BLMGN), as to where millions of dollars in donations are going.
“Despite years of effort, no acceptable internal process of accountability has ever been produced by BLMGN and these recent events have undermined the efforts of chapters seeking to democratize its processes and resources,” reads a letter signed by ten BLM chapters.
“In the spirit of transparency, accountability, and responsibility to our community, we believe public accountability has become necessary.”
“To the best of our knowledge, most chapters have received little to no financial support from BLMGN since the launch in 2013. It was only in the last few months that selected chapters appear to have been invited to apply for a $500,000 grant created with resources generated because of the organizing labor of chapters. This is not the equity and financial accountability we deserve.”
For years, Black Lives Matter Global Network (@Blklivesmatter) has undermined the work & integrity of local chapters — including BLM DC.
Today we went public. Read our statement here: https://t.co/VTbu2aZzds #BlackLivesMatter #BLM10
— Black Lives Matter DC (@DMVBlackLives) November 30, 2020
The letter was signed by the following BLM chapters, with an open invitation for other chapters to add their support: Philly, Indy, D.C, Chicago, OKC, NJ, San Diego, Vancouver (Washington), 5280 and Hudson Valley.
You can read the letter in its entirety here.