Our History and Future
Black Lives Matter of Jefferson County is a collectively run 501(c)3 organization which seeks to eradicate white supremacy, and ableist hetero-patriarchy. BLMJC formed in 2020 in the aftermath of continued police brutality towards Black people in the United States and a recognition that white supremacist doctrine also manifests in a myriad of other institutions and systems which prevent economic, social, and political liberation for BIPOC. Our initial conception began with direct action events, including a Juneteenth event with an attendance of 1500. Since then we worked to create a Non-hierarchical model for Non-profit boards and became a Community Organizer led Nonprofit Organization. We have used our 501(c) status to fundraise on behalf of and to incubate local BIPOC/PGM led projects and community organizing groups.
We are now entering a new stage in our evolution as and organization, we are in process of hiring a new Executive Director to focus their energy on supporting the unique needs of the Black Community in Jefferson County. We will continue to support the greater BIPOC/PGM Community through a partnership with “Well Organized”.
Our Values
We believe in an inclusive movement and in the intrinsic value of all Black Lives including; Women and all Genders on the Gender Spectrum, Queer Lives, Trans Lives, Sex Workers Lives, Undocumented Lives, Those with Criminal Records, and those with Disabilities.
We Stand in Solidarity with All BIPOC who face White Supremacy.
We aim to amplify Black Voices, especially those where the intersection of oppression and vulnerability is the greatest.
We Reject Hierarchical, Judicial, and Violent Systems which perpetuate White Supremacy.
We are Committed to building safe communities and equitable lives for BIPOC in Jefferson County and to work with and support Groups already existing in the community doing this work.
“I will not ask you to do something that I am not willing to do myself.”
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We demand that our Community hold each other accountable for the ways in which they uphold White Supremacy, from hiring practices, discrimination in schools, to those who are directly explicitly racist or anti-black. We call for our Community to support us in our efforts for not only Equity, Justice and Safety but for lives filled with Joy and Prosperity. We demand not just accountability of officers after a murder, but entire police departments. State agencies like police, immigration agents, local officials, institutions who cause harm to Black communities must acknowledge the harm they inflict upon Black families and must make official apologies and commit resources to families and communities who have long suffered their actions.
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This includes; Affordable Housing, Healthcare, Mental Healthcare, Education, Jobs, Community Safety and Community Based Restorative Justice programs, etc.
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At this moment of economic crisis we need to seize the opportunity to rethink the economy and move it towards one that serves the needs of people and the planet, not corporations and the wealthy. Create community programs to help BIPOC owned businesses and to help them start new businesses. Create Legislation to insure Salary Equality and fair and transparent hiring practices.
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This means; Suspend use of paid administrative leave for Cops under investigation, Withhold Pensions and Do not rehire Cops involved in Excessive Force, Require Cops to be liable for misconduct settlements, Cap overtime accrual and overtime pay for military training (of Police), Withdraw participation in Police militarization programs, Disarm Police, Remove Police from Schools, Reduce size of Police Force.
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We demand the Protection of our First Amendment rights to Freedom of Speech and the Right to Assemble and Petition the Government regarding grievances. We demand that State and Local Agencies prevent any violence or harm to come to protesters and that there is no abuse of power or lethal force used against them. We also assert that violations of property never be equated to violations of human life. We demand that vigilantes who would mean to do harm to protesters are held accountable by the state as well. We demand that no protesters be kidnapped by the state or face any charges.
“...there is more to Blackness than our struggle. ”
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