In a recent statement, a significant group of the Black Lives Matter movement known as Black Lives Matter Grassroots has declared its support for “the resistance in Palestine” following the attacks on Israel by Hamas over the weekend. Here’s the whole story.
The Statement
BLM Grassroots issued a statement standing in solidarity with Palestinians. They wrote, “We must stand unwaveringly on the side of the oppressed.”
Apartheid and Unimaginable Violence
The statement from BLM Grassroots proclaimed that the Palestinians, who have endured decades of what they described as “apartheid and unimaginable violence,” should not be condemned for their resistance but rather understood as an act of self-defense.
The Parallels
The group drew parallels between the struggles of Black Americans in the United States and the oppression faced by Palestinians in Israel.
Settler Colonialism
The statement, shared on BLM Grassroots’ Instagram page, read, “Black Lives Matter Grassroots stands in solidarity with our Palestinian family who are currently resisting 57 years of settler colonialism and apartheid.”
The caption corrected the timeline to “75 YEARS.”
Shared Experiences of Black Americans
The group highlighted the shared experiences of Black Americans, noting that they, too, understand the meaning of being surveilled, dehumanized, having property seized, families separated, and people criminalized with impunity.
The Dream
The post added, “We, too, dream of a world where our people may live freely on decolonized land. May the borders, checkpoints, prisons, police, and watchlists that terrorize our communities crumble, and may the world we build from their ashes honor those who have fallen in struggle.”
Destabilizing Interventions
The group urged the United States government to redirect the $4 billion in annual spending from the Israeli military to repair the damage caused by the U.S.-backed wars, military air strikes, coups, and destabilizing interventions against oppressed people worldwide.
The Background
Black Lives Matter Grassroots is distinct from the Black Lives Matter Global Network Foundation (BLMGNF), which activist Patrisse Cullors formerly led.
However, BLM Grassroots shares and promotes the broader BLM message in the United States and abroad.
The Group Has Many Chapters
BLM Grassroots represents a coalition of 26 BLM chapters across the United States and the United Kingdom.
Using Funds for Personal Use
Last year, BLM Grassroots filed a lawsuit alleging that Shalomyah Bowers, the leader of BLMGNF, had defrauded local chapters and used their funds for personal gain.
Personal Piggy Bank
The lawsuit claimed that BLMGNF leaders failed to allocate resources as initially planned, locked BLM Grassroots out of BLM’s primary social media accounts, and used the funds like a “personal piggy bank” to the tune of $10 million.
Twitter Users Expressed Their Views
Several social media users shared their thoughts on the incident.
One Twitter user wrote, “They lost thousands of followers for this post and had to limit the comments. This is a small group, and whoever is running this page is ignorant and doesn’t represent the opinion of the majority of Democrats, Black people, or progressives as a whole.”
BLM Is Like a Corporation
Another user added, “I really didn’t know BLM is like a corporation. I’m broken that the money isn’t going to the movement but to people who are buying million-dollar homes and misappropriating funds.”
They Have Lost It
A third user commented, “Head of Black Lives Matter lost it. It’s a sensitive matter that they should either remain neutral or go by American wave.”
Unjustified Tolerance
A fourth user wrote, “The unjustified tolerance given to BLM over the years has only led them to be more extreme. Like a petulant child constantly testing limits.”
Trump Cannot Run for President According to New Study – Here Are the Reasons For His Disqualification
A new study analyzes whether Donald Trump has the right to run for president for the second time. Here’s the full story. Trump Cannot Run for President According to New Study – Here Are the Reasons For His Disqualification
“BIDEN IS GONE” – His Economic Speech: From ‘A’ for Agenda to ‘Y’ for Yelling; Is He Showing Signs of Cognitive Decline?
President Joe Biden delivered a speech at Prince George’s Community College in Largo, Maryland, where he discussed his economic agenda, made promises to the American people, and made some people nervous as he randomly yelled throughout the speech. “BIDEN IS GONE” – His Economic Speech: From ‘A’ for Agenda to ‘Y’ for Yelling; Is He Showing Signs of Cognitive Decline?
“We Ended Cancer” – 17 of the DUMBEST Things Biden Said
Throughout his more than five decades in political life, Joe Biden has gained notoriety for his verbal gaffes and missteps. “We Ended Cancer” – 17 of the DUMBEST Things Biden Said
“He Needs the Cash” – Missing Ancient Artifacts From Israel Found at Trump’s Mar-A-Lago Resort – What’s the Truth?
Donald Trump’s presidency was marked by controversy and polarizing decisions, but a recent report sheds light on a peculiar and unexpected issue: missing ancient ceramic oil lamps. Here’s the full story. “He Needs the Cash” – Missing Ancient Artifacts From Israel Found at Trump’s Mar-A-Lago Resort – What’s the Truth?
Not Again! President Biden’s Verbal Gaffe Sparks Laughter and Criticism as Opponents Continue to Question His Ability in Office
During a speech about NATO in Lithuania, President Joe Biden stumbled over his words, causing a brief moment of laughter and drawing criticism from many. Here’s what happened. Not Again! President Biden’s Verbal Gaffe Sparks Laughter and Criticism as Opponents Continue to Question His Ability in Office
The post “Apartheid and Unimaginable Violence” – Black Lives Matter Grassroots Voices Solidarity With Palestine Amidst Israeli Conflict first appeared on Wealthy Living.
Featured Image Credit: Shutterstock / AlessandroBiascioli. The people shown in the images are for illustrative purposes only, not the actual people featured in the story.