John,
In 2022, I became Board Chairwoman of Black Lives Matter, and since then, I’ve done everything in my power to make strides in transparency and accountability for the organization. For example, our newly implemented Transparency Center answers important questions. It also offers up-to-date tax information so our supporters can be more informed and know exactly where their donations go.
Still, the truth is that I’ve still dealt with serious obstacles as chair, and in my recent radio interview with Streetz Morning Takeover, I was honest about the reality of taking on this position.
I can’t lie, I thought I was ready – but whewww, a lot is coming my way that I didn’t expect after taking over as Chairwoman.
I’ve been subject to lies, vitriol, death threats, stalking, harassment, and false accusations (and not just from white people, as you may assume).
It’s been so hard to witness how entitlement, the quest for power, jealousy, willful ignorance, and hate, fuel people to cause harm to others. To me.
But, this has also been the most rewarding time of my life because for every evil action, I’ve been empowered by an equal and more substantial counteraction of love — the most powerful emotion to exist. It is also my superpower.
Even with those obstacles, we have had some amazing wins this year, from our summer camp for Black boys to our Student Solidarity Fund. We are community-driven and have been putting our resources into the arts, culture, research, healing justice, and frontline organizing.
We’re changing lives.
This year marks 11 powerful years of service to Black communities, advocacy for justice, and self-determination. As the largest philanthropic force driving abolitionism globally, the BLM Foundation stands poised to channel resources toward building Black Power for Black Liberation, a significant and transformative objective.
We will continue all of our efforts to invest in the future of Black lives through policy change, investment in our communities, and a commitment to arts and culture. This year and in more years to come.
If you’re feeling inspired and are able to, I’d really appreciate it if you’d make a contribution to support Black Lives Matter and our work today. We have a lot ahead of us and anything helps!
In love and solidarity,
Cicley Gay
Board Chairwoman
Black Lives Matter
