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A Note From Black Lives Matter Global Network Foundation: |
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We're so excited for the second send of our new monthly newsletter, “Blackness Can’t Be Banned.”
White supremacy doesn't sleep – it will never stop trying to omit Black contributions, history, movements, and resistance in its lousy attempt to ban all things Black. Whether it's books or history, we will ensure that our history is never erased.
Not only is this newsletter going to include facts and education on Black history and abolition, but also, anything that has to do with our efforts to achieve Black liberation.
If you have a topic you'd like to learn more about, let us know by filling out this quick survey.
In love and solidarity,
Black Lives Matter Global Network Foundation |
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The Abolitionist Rundown:Latinx Heritage Month is September 15th - October 15th! |
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This month, we acknowledge and uplift the cultures, contributions, and resilience of Latinx, Hispanic, and Latino-identified communities worldwide. In particular, we’re uplifting the intersectionality of the African Diaspora, specifically those of Latinx descent.
Those who identify as Afro-Latinx understand the complexities of their heritage as both African and Latinx persons. It is essential to highlight this distinction because Afro-Latinx people are part of the Black experience individually and collectively.
Did you know? Well over 90 percent of enslaved Africans were sent to the Caribbean and South America. Only about 6 percent of African captives were sent directly to British North America. Afro-Latinx origins date back to the 1700s and 1800s!
You probably already know a bit about Afro-Latinx communities. For example, an Olympian who made history was John Wesley Carlos. Just by his name, you may not know who he is immediately -- we bet you’ll recognize him in the photo below: |
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John Wesley Carlos was born on June 5th, 1945 in Harlem to an African-American father and a Cuban mother. He is an American former track and field athlete as well as a professional football player. While he has done much for the culture, he is also well-known for his protest of racism and injustice during the 1968 Summer Olympics. After earning the bronze medal in the 200-meter race, Carlos raised a black-gloved fist while the U.S. national anthem was playing. The protest created much controversy, including medal stripping, banning from games, and death threats. However, Carlos hasn't let that change the work he continues to do in the Afro-Latinx community.
Our history and intersectionality matters. It's so important to ensure that the history of Afro-Latinx-identifying people isn’t diminished.
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Take Action: |
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September is Sickle Cell Awareness Month. Sickle cell disease (SCD) impacts 1 out of every 365 Black births and is more common in Black people in the U.S. than other ethnicities. And get this: Black folks with sickle cell have less access to comprehensive team care than those with other genetic disorders.
Though warriors with sickle cell disease across all races experience similar symptoms, Black people do not have the same experience dealing with this condition – and that's because of the racism and racial basis that continue to live in our healthcare system.
Sign the petition demanding additional resources from the health system for ALL Black people NOW >> |
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September 19th marked National Voter Registration Day! For us, it was not just another day on the calendar. It was a reminder to roll our sleeves up to mobilize all our friends and families to make history once again. Use this tool to check on voter registration status or register if you're a first-time voter!
Ensuring that ALL Black Lives Matter starts with our work at the polls. When you're done registering and sharing the tool with others, let us know you did your part by signing our voting pledge. |
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WHAT Happened?! …and WHEN? 🤔 |
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September 4th, 1875
The Clinton Massacre
On this day, a white mob in Clinton, Mississippi, left dozens of Black people dead. Political conflicts arose at a barbecue in Clinton when white attendees were angry about the Black presence at the event. By the next day, an estimated 50 Black people had been killed, and many more had been forced into the woods and swampland to avoid an attack. This day serves as a reminder that political implications impact Black communities in more ways than we realize. Most recently in January of 2021, We saw what happened when white supremacists didn’t get their way.
Photo Source: Equal Justice Initiative |
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September 15th, 1963
On this day, the Ku Klux Klan bombed this church in a racially motivated attack against the largest Black church in Birmingham. The church was also a hub for Black liberation work and community. The bombing killed Cynthia Morris, Carole Robertson, and Addie Mae Collins, who were all 14, and Denise McNair, who was 11. The 16th Street Bombing is just one of many examples of white supremacist violence – something we can never forget as we combat the same thing today.
Photo Source: Chris Mcnair/Getty Images |
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September 8th, 2010 Alabama Prison Bans Book “Slavery by Another Name”
On this day, Alabama officials banned prisoners from reading this book – and admittedly due to the content of the book. The book is a reputable and clear picture of the post-Reconstruction era. It helps deepen the understanding of racial history in the U.S. A federal civil lawsuit was filed challenging the book ban. Little did we know that 10+ years later, a mass book ban in states across the U.S. would take place in an attempt to erase Black history. This is an example of why we must educate ourselves and pay attention to history to ensure it doesn’t repeat itself.
Photo Source: Pulitzer Prize |
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Follow us on social media to stay up-to-date on Black Lives Matter Global Network Foundation and our work to eradicate white supremacy. |
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Our work is dedicated to ending state-sanctioned and vigilante violence, liberating Black people, and ending white supremacy forever. Your contribution helps to fuel our efforts. |
