Earlier this week, I sat down with Citizen Action Capital District Organizer, and Black Lives Matter Albany Co-Founder, Sophia Smart to talk about the Movement for Black Lives Policy platform. Sophia and I discussed her interpretation of Black Lives Matter, what it means to her, how she has worked within the movement, and ways that Citizen Action of New York could be a strong comrade in the fight for racial justice. The institution of racism and inequality has existed for as long as this country, and if we are to get rid of both, it is important for us to work hand in hand. It should be noted, if we are to build a coalition of people, this must be a movement that acknowledges ALL PEOPLE. Including the LGBTQ community, People with disabilities. The vision for Black Lives is incomplete, without the inclusion of people with disabilities. Check out the podcast, and look at the notes below for more information.
Platform
Black humanity and dignity requires Black political will and power. Despite constant exploitation and perpetual oppression, Black people have bravely and brilliantly been the driving force pushing the U.S. towards the ideals it articulates but has never achieved. In recent years we have taken to the streets, launched massive campaigns, and impacted elections, but our elected leaders have failed to address the legitimate demands of our Movement. We can no longer wait. Click here for the full text.
END THE WAR ON BLACK PEOPLE
We demand an end to the war against Black people. Since this country’s inception, there have been named and unnamed wars on our communities. We demand an end to the criminalization, incarceration, and killing of our people. Click here for the full text.
Reparations
We demand reparations for past and continuing harms. The government, responsible corporations and other institutions that have profited off of the harm they have inflicted on Black people — from colonialism to slavery through food and housing redlining, mass incarceration, and surveillance — must repair the harm done. Click here for the full text.
INVEST-DIVEST
We demand investments in the education, health and safety of Black people, instead of investments in the criminalizing, caging, and harming of Black people. We want investments in Black communities, determined by Black communities, and divestment from exploitative forces including prisons, fossil fuels, police, surveillance and exploitative corporations. Click here for the full text.
If you would like to learn more about the Movement for Black Lives, and how we fit in, check out a blog post I wrote when the plan was first released. It outlines ways I believe we can be allies. Click here for the blog.