Opaque Movements and Captured Leadership

For many, the phrase “Black Lives Matter” is synonymous with protests and demonstrations against anti-Black racism and police brutality. However, how activists and organizations relate to this phrase is complex. The Black Lives Matter Global Network Foundation (BLMGN or the “Foundation”) is a highly visible and recognizable organization but is only a fraction of the broader Movement for Black Lives (M4BL). This relationship is significant as BLMGN has found itself in the middle of debates questioning its leadership. As a “chapter-based, member-led” organization, the Foundation has been criticized by individual chapters, family members of the deceased, and the broader public for lacking accountability and transparency. I find this criticism warranted.