Weekly Email 4/7-4/14

Last Saturday, we joined thousands around the country in a national day of protest organized by 50501, a newly formed collective, seeking to combat fascist policies being enacted by the US government. Our goal in taking the stage was to share our message that “The answer to fascism is not liberalism; it’s resistance.” and to calling them to action in alliance with Black Lives Matter Grassroots.

Many within our community and online mentioned sitting out this event–that Black women are tired of fighting for everyone else. And we’re holding space for these feelings and sentiments. However, Black Lives Matter-Los Angeles remains steadfast in its commitment to fighting for Black Lives and Black safety. When we are absent from coalition spaces, our voices and our fight as Black people stands to be erased or silenced. 

When we show up, we bring attention to the violence that continues to be waged on our people, which has existed before Trump. When we show up, we show people that not only do we seek to end fascism in this country, but we are also working toward a better collective future for Black people. Our goals and our fight is more radical and more compassionate than a reformist return to the status quo. As such, we took to the streets last weekend and will continue to do so until we are all free.

And when we’re not in the streets, we organize. Join BLMLA’s Monthly Organizing Meeting this Sunday, April 13th at 7pm at the Center for Black Power as we plan for our People’s Budget Presentation to the Mayor.

Recap:

  • Last Wednesday, families of those killed by police, BLMLA organizers, and allies gathered for our weekly #EndPoliceAssociations rally. LAPD showed up at the demonstration and threatened to shut us down after more than four years of weekly protest, no doubt at the behest of District Attorney Nathan Hochman. This just means we need to go harder next week. Tap in and stay tuned!.

  • Last Friday, dozens provided court support for the family of #JonathanHart/#SkyYoung as they entered their victim impact statement. White Walgreen’s security guard, Donald Ciota, was convicted of second degree murder and sentenced to 15 years in prison for the 2018 murder of 21-year-old #JonathanHart (also known as Sky Young). Our beloved sisters Cori and Nikita are Sky’s family.

  • Last Saturday,  BLMLA participated in SoCal Unites, taking to the streets and the microphone to demand an end to fascist policies. We affirmed our position as not only anti-facist, but also anti-police, anti-carceral, and anti-genocide. BLMLA was joined on stage by Code Pink - Women for Peace and Chris Smalls of the Amazon Labor Union, who challenged the legitimacy of a two-party system and uplifted third parties. We pushed the People’s Budget survey and affirmed that Black Lives STILL Matter. 

  • Last Saturday, This Is Not a Drill! aired on KBLA 1580AM and was hosted by our very own Dr. Melina Abdullah, with Baba Akili of BLMLA and BLM Grassroots in the co-host chair. In conversation with Chris Smalls, founder of Amazon Labor Union,, they discussed how to counter Trump’s attack on labor unions. Our own Sisters Cori and Nikita joined for the #MoreThanAHashtag conversation  in honor of their cousin #JonathanHart(also known as #SkyYoung). Missed it? Watch here. 

BLMLA in Media and Must-Reads:

#BlackLivesMatter

50501 National Protests

Long Beach 

Tune in:

  • Move the Crowd airs every Monday morning at 7AM on 90.7FM KPFK kpfk.org, hosted by our own Sister Melina and co-produced by Sister Tyler Boudreaux. Listener calls around 7:40 at 818-985-5735.

  • Tune in to BLM’s This Is Not a Drill! every Saturday 8-10AM on KBLA Talk 1580, kbla1580.com, and on facebook.com/blmla.

Black Lives Matter is truly a labor of love, and our work produces real expenses. To support our work, please donate to gofundme.com/BLMLA and donate here to support the work of Black Lives Matter Grassroots.

For the most updated information and more on our work, please visit our website at blmla.org and follow us on social media: @blmlosangeles on IG, @blmla on Twitter, and Black Lives Matter-Los Angeles on Facebook.

Hannibal Tabu