So I see we are now at the pitted against each other in public part of the BLM movement, also known as the tried and true divide and conquer strategy.
Many argue that dealing with these conflicts out and in the open can rid movements of bad actors. Some have rightly pointed out that NONE of this is new or unexpected. No major Black movement has been without its share of informants, opportunists, and conflicts between movement “leaders” or organizers.
The Capricorn I am understands the need to always be bluntly honest and transparent. I will call a spade a spade 7 days a week, 365 a year. I do believe accountability is key to real progress. At work, some believe I’m the divisive one because I speak out, hold those in power accountable, and remain vigilant at all times. And yes, I do call out…if someone is an impediment to progress, I’ll call them out with a quickness.
But the Capricorn in me also cringes every time I see lots of energy spent (online or in movement spaces) on personalities and personal beefs and conflicts. It is a stark reminder that the discipline it takes to stay laser focused on the roots of our struggle, and not get tangled up in the many branches it grows, is no easy task. Eyez on the Prize is the forever goal, but in a world with constant stimuli and so many distractions, that goal remains elusive.
But it helps to remember in these times what will actually free us and what won’t. So let me start with what will never free us:
- Our oppressors
- Corporate sponsorships
- Capitalism…not even Black capitalism
- Fake unity aka groupthink
- Splintered movements
- Leaders
To begin, there is the persistent nature to social structure. Institutions do change over time but also have an enduring and persistent quality about them, even amid efforts to change them. As well, status quo power structure adapts to the times while maintaining control. For example, there’s more political support for criminal justice reform today. On an individual level many will benefit from some of these reforms (ie: Fl law to give felons back right to vote or CA laws to expunge records, police accountability etc.) But these reforms highlight how status quo politics absorb progressive ideas while keeping power dynamics virtually unchanged. The movement for equity, diversity, and inclusion in corporate America and education also serves as an example.
— from me in 360°: A Blueprint to Black Self-Determination
IT IS A FACT that some reforms can move us in a more progressive direction. Narrative building and the mass attention BLM organizing now gets has shifted some hearts and minds slowly but surely. Public opinion polls from 2012 to present day provide the proof.
So high profile organizers, be they opportunists or not, deserve at least in part, credit for any progress we see. If families want to speak out to decry opportunists making money from their loved ones’ deaths, they have every right. But also keep in mind that many others have lost a loved one to police terrorism, and they received no mass attention or calls to #SayTheirName for justice. One of my students is one of those mothers; her son was killed by a cop and because of where they lived, there was no public outcry, no organizing and no media attention. There was also no opportunity for others to profit from her loss for whatever that’s worth. I can’t speak for her but it doesn’t seem to be worth much to me; and I’m sure as a grieving mother, she wants justice for her son, and wants him to be remembered like the many others we remember.
If corporations and foundations want to give Black high profile organizations like BLM money, great; whatever they get is just a drop in the over due reparations bucket. Black organizers (no matter what their intentions) are owed just like the rest of us. So while there are always opportunists among us, should folks spend the energy I see them spending on calling these opportunists out? Absolutely not.
The Black Panther Party was supported by some white money too…lol. In this highly recommended video on revolution v. reform, Dr. Carr of Howard University reminds us that SNCC was also funded by outside groups and philanthropists…UNTIL they made speaking out against the Vietnam War part of their platform; then the money dried up. So those with money fund what is not threatening, but once a line is crossed money gets pulled. But hopefully no one will argue that the work SNCC did was not important, arguably essential, for the Civil Rights movement and moving this society in a more progressive direction. The indisputable proof that it did just that is the white backlash that came soon after…and always comes with any Black progress.
MLK and Bunchy Carter were right
So what should we do about bad actors in movement work? When I find out someone can’t be trusted, I stop working with them and move on. I never make them the focus of my energy. What we should do is follow Bunchy Carter’s advice. I trust the people to choose who they relate to and feel support them best (see pics below).
Strong people don’t need strong leaders — Ella Baker
I’ve outlined what won’t free us, so let me end with the only thing that will ever free us:
- Ourselves
We have to SAVE OURSELVES… it really is an S.O.S. in all the ways. No one should depend on others to lead the movement for freedom. If you don’t like what others are doing, learn how to organize your community and do better. And trust me, constantly stating the obvious (folks do sell out) is not better. That is same ol’ same old. About 100 years ago, Carter G. Woodson taught us what we must understand and never lose sight of if we’re really about that self-determination life. With that, I don’t plan to spend any more time on this subject. Gotta get back to work. 💯✊🏾
