Fact Check: Black Lives Matter was founded by Rich Communists

Claim Analysis: "Black Lives Matter was founded by Rich Communists"

Introduction

The claim that "Black Lives Matter was founded by Rich Communists" suggests a specific ideological and financial characterization of the movement's founders. This assertion raises questions about the motivations and backgrounds of the individuals involved in the creation of Black Lives Matter (BLM) and the broader implications of labeling the movement in such a manner.

What We Know

1. Founders of Black Lives Matter: Black Lives Matter was founded in 2013 by three women: Alicia Garza, Patrisse Cullors, and Opal Tometi. They initiated the movement as a response to the acquittal of George Zimmerman in the shooting death of Trayvon Martin, using the hashtag #BlackLivesMatter to mobilize support and awareness around issues of racial injustice and police brutality 210.

2. Decentralized Nature of the Movement: BLM is described as a decentralized political and social movement, meaning it does not have a singular leadership structure or formal organization. Instead, it consists of various local chapters and initiatives that operate independently 15.

3. Political Ideology: The founders have identified as activists with a commitment to social justice, but they have not explicitly labeled themselves as "communists." Patrisse Cullors, one of the co-founders, has publicly identified as a "trained Marxist," which has been cited by critics to support claims of a communist agenda 710. However, the broader movement encompasses a wide range of political beliefs and does not uniformly adhere to any single ideology.

4. Financial Background: The claim of the founders being "rich" is more complex. While Patrisse Cullors has been scrutinized for her financial dealings and real estate purchases, she has stated that her income from BLM-related activities has been modest compared to the allegations of wealth 7. The financial status of the other founders is less documented, and there is no definitive evidence to categorize them as "rich."

Analysis

The assertion that BLM was founded by "Rich Communists" requires careful scrutiny of both the terminology used and the motivations behind it.

• Source Reliability: The sources discussing the founders’ backgrounds, such as Wikipedia and the BBC, provide a general overview but may lack depth in terms of financial specifics and ideological nuances. Wikipedia is a useful starting point but should be supplemented with more authoritative sources for a comprehensive understanding 18. The BBC provides a more journalistic perspective, which can be informative but may also reflect the biases of the media outlet 9.

• Bias and Ideological Framing: The characterization of the founders as "communists" could stem from a politically charged narrative that aims to discredit the movement by associating it with extreme leftist ideologies. This framing often appears in conservative media and political discourse, which may not provide a balanced view of the founders' actual beliefs and intentions 610.

• Methodological Concerns: The claim lacks specific evidence to support the assertion of wealth and communist ideology. For instance, while Cullors’ self-identification as a Marxist is documented, the implications of this label are often oversimplified in public discourse. Furthermore, the financial status of the founders is not clearly established, and more detailed financial records would be necessary to substantiate claims of wealth.

• Contradicting Perspectives: Supporters of BLM argue that the movement is fundamentally about addressing systemic racism and advocating for social justice, rather than promoting a specific political agenda. This perspective is often overlooked in critiques that focus solely on the founders' backgrounds 34.

Conclusion

Verdict: Mostly False

The claim that "Black Lives Matter was founded by Rich Communists" is misleading and oversimplified. While it is true that one of the co-founders, Patrisse Cullors, has identified as a "trained Marxist," this does not equate to the entire movement being founded on communist principles. Furthermore, the assertion that the founders are "rich" lacks substantial evidence, as their financial backgrounds are not clearly documented and vary significantly among them.

This verdict acknowledges the complexity of the founders' identities and the decentralized nature of the BLM movement, which encompasses a broad spectrum of beliefs and motivations. The claim's reliance on politically charged language and the lack of concrete evidence to support its assertions contribute to its classification as "Mostly False."

It is important to recognize the limitations in the available evidence, particularly regarding the financial status of the founders and the ideological framing of their beliefs. Readers are encouraged to critically evaluate information and consider multiple perspectives when assessing claims related to social movements and their leaders.

Sources

1. Black Lives Matter - Wikipedia. Link
2. The Black Lives Matter Movement - A Brief History of Civil Rights in the United States - HUSL Library at Howard University School of Law. Link
3. Background on Black Lives Matter — Harvard Gazette. Link
4. Background: The Black Lives Matter Movement. Link
5. Black Lives Matter (BLM) | Library of Congress. Link
6. Black Lives Matter: Is It Political? - UR Scholarship Repository. Link
7. Patrisse Cullors - Wikipedia. Link
8. Black Lives Matter founders: We fought to change history and we won. Link
9. What is Black Lives Matter and what are the aims? Link
10. Our History - Black Lives Matter. Link