BLM Philly Defends Its “Black Only” Meetings
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Black Lives Matter Philly, Pennsylvania’s official chapter of the national organization, was thrown into the spotlight this week after Breitbart published a story with the headline “White People Banned from Black Lives Matter Meetings in Philadelphia.”
Brietbart Writer Ben Kew accused BLM Philly of enacting a “policy of discrimination based on skin color.” The story picked up steam after several other conservative news sites covered it.
In a statement released yesterday, BLM Philly defended its stance, stating that members “are unapologetically Black and believe having Black only spaces – where Black people can come together to strategize, organize, heal and fellowship without the threat of violence and co-optation – is an important part of Black liberation.”
BLM Philly invites those who “identify as a member of the African Diaspora” to its meetings. But the organization has repeatedly stated that anyone can support its movement – in various ways.
Some have jumped to the defense of BLM Philly, criticizing those who have suggested that the group needs to justify its policy.
It is a shame that @BLMPhilly has to explain how they handle their meetings TO ANYBODY!
As my Mother Said "Go MIND YOUR OWN DAMN BUSINESS" https://t.co/jgQ9nNPkXi— Petty Auntie™ is Loving on Purpose (@AmbitDiva) April 5, 2017
I support @BLMPhilly and I hope your meeting is not only successful but reaps benefits & rewards beyond imagination. #UdoU #PplCouldSayNada
— Petty Auntie™ is Loving on Purpose (@AmbitDiva) April 5, 2017
https://twitter.com/MelanieCoMcCoy/status/849631655547592705
https://twitter.com/HelenGym2015/status/849961435815923712
https://twitter.com/pmgentry/status/849790578338430977
The group, which vowed not to address the issue after today, will speak to “Reality Check” host Charles Ellison on 900am WURD tonight at 5:25 p.m.
Feel free to continue debating among yourselves, but we actually need to focus on liberating Black Philadelphians & Black people everywhere
— BLM Philly (@BLMPhilly) April 6, 2017
After today, we will no longer address, discuss or respond to how we are structured as an org. We have work to do. We'll be #onWURD later
— BLM Philly (@BLMPhilly) April 6, 2017
Check out the 800-word statement released by BLM Philly.
Follow @ClaireSasko on Twitter.
