BLMLA Weekly Email 10/23-10/30/2023

This Week’s BLMLA Actions/Events (10/23/23-10/30/23):

  • MONDAY, 10/23/2023 4:30PM – Demand Justice for #AnthonyMcClain at the Pasadena City Council Meeting on Zoom https://us02web.zoom.us/j/161482446 – Call in to the Pasadena City Council meeting and demand the City Council fire the police officers who murdered #AnthonyMcClain. Please submit speaker cards prior to the public comment period at the link here. To participate by phone, call 1-669-900-6833, Meeting ID: 161 482 446.

  • Monday 10/23/2023 6:00PM - Bruce’s Vigil at Ted Watkins Memorial Park, 1335 E. 103rd St., Los Angeles (Watts) – Brother Bruce was the beloved husband of our own Sister Helen Jones, mother of #JohnHorton who was killed by LA County Sheriffs inside Men’s Central Jail in 2009. Even through her own pain, Sister Helen has been a tremendous force in the work of Black liberation. Last year, Bruce was killed in a hit and run while he was riding his motorcycle. Sister Helen is calling on us to honor Bruce by building a non-police traffic infrastructure that actually keeps us safe.

  • TUESDAY, 10/24/2023 9:00AM – Press Conference and ALL OUT for LA Police Commission Meeting in the Name of #KeenanAnderson, 100 W. 1st St., DTLA – The LA Police Commission will consider whether or not the January 3, 2023 tasing death of Keenan Anderson by LAPD was “in policy.” Keenan was a Black father, brother, school teacher, and cousin of #BlackLivesMatter co-founder Patrisse Cullors. BLMLA and supporters will stand with Keenan’s family and attorney, Carl Douglas at 9am before the Commission meeting, where we’ll offer public comment. 

  • TUESDAY, 10/24/2023 at 6:30PM – Torrance City Council Meeting for #ChristopherDeAndreMitchell IN PERSON at Torrance City Hall 3031 Torrance Blvd. – Let’s continue to demand that the Council deliver justice in the name of #ChristopherDeAndreMitchell by establishing a civilian oversight commission of the Torrance Police Department.

  • WEDNESDAY, 10/25/2023 at 4PM – #EndPoliceAssociations Rally at 1313 W. 8th St. –  Bring your voices, energy, and commitment to building a just and free world, where police associations no longer have control over public safety policy. Wear a mask! Snacks and water provided. This week, we’ll call for a “Ceasefire Here and There,” standing in solidarity with the people of Palestine, and reminding folks that LAPD are trained as violence workers by the likes of IDF (the Israel Defense Forces). Streamed live on Instagram at @blmlosangeles.

  • SATURDAY, 10/28/2023 8-10AM – This Is Not a Drill! on KBLA Talk 1580AM or facebook.com/BLMLA – Stay up-to-date on the work that Black Lives Matter Grassroots is doing around the country. This week’s show will focus on “Reports from the Frontlines,” with BLM Grassroots chapter leaders “Queen” Porch’se Miller from Atlanta, Eric Hall from Birmingham, and Jalonda “Justice” Hill from Buffalo. Our own Melina Abdullah hosts. Baba Akili in the co-host chair. Download the app or listen on 1580AM in Los Angeles, kbla1580.com worldwide. Taking your calls at 800-920-1580.

Upcoming:

  • TUESDAY, 10/31/2023 2:30PM – Honoring the Life of Ruchell “Cinque” Magee at Forest Lawn in Covina – Join the family of Ruchell “Cinque” Magee in honoring his powerful life and commitment to Black freedom. Ruchell’s family specifically requested the presence of Black Lives Matter Grassroots, which worked to help free our beloved comrade, who spent 67 years in prison, sacrificing his own freedom for ours. Wear your Black Lives Matter gear!

Recap:

  • Last week, Ruchell Magee transitioned to the realm of the Ancestors. He was the longest held political prisoner in U.S. history. Black Lives Matter joined with a powerful coalition that worked for decades and finally secured his release just two months ago. He passed in his sleep in his family’s home last Monday morning. Long live the Spirit of Ruchell Cinque Magee!

  • At last Wednesday’s #EndPoliceAssociations rally, Week 140, Michael Joseph Williams gave clarity to how the movements to fire LAPD Chief Moore, remove Kevin de León from office and to free Palestine are connected to Black liberation- we must stay engaged. The family of #JuanCorrea was present to share how the uphill battle justice families face when in the fight for accountability for their stolen loved one. As it was the third Wednesday of the month, Project Knucklehead returned with several songs that drummed up the revolution. 

  • Last Saturday’s “This Is Not A Drill” featured an important dialogue on “The Attempted Murder of Black Lives Matter'' with Sharon Kyle of the LA Progressive and Dominique DiPrima of KBLA 1580AM’s First Things First. Our #MoreThanAHashtag conversation was with the mother of #EvanLee, the 31-year-old who was arrested in Arcola, Texas and died from trauma related injuries while in jail. Dr. Melina Abdullah hosted, with Kim Holmes in the co-host chair. Missed it? Watch here.

  • Also this past Saturday, Black Lives Matter - Los Angeles and the Black Lives Matter Youth Vanguard held it down at the Taste of Soul on Crenshaw Boulevard, where we educated the community about the petition to #FireChiefMoore and invited folks to come out EVERY Wednesday to the #EndPoliceAssociations rally. We partnered with United Teachers Los Angeles to gift free books, pins and stickers to also raise awareness about the great work of LA Students Deserve.

  • On Sunday, the community gathered together at the Watts Labor Community Action Committee to pay tribute to beloved comrade Jitu Sadiki, who passed last month. Comrade Jitu was a freedom fighter, co-founder of Black August, and a friend of Black Lives Matter - Los Angeles and Grassroots who provided much needed political education and perspective, especially around prisoners rights and Black liberation. May his soul ascend powerfully to the realm of the Ancestors.

Phillip Jackson