BLM Philly acknowledges and respects the many organizers who offer their blood, sweat and tears for the movement. We also recognize and affirm the many forms of resistance in this movement, whether it’s direct action, youth development, or creating spaces where Black Queer and trans people can be carefree. We understand Black liberation will not come through a single event but a chorus of relentless resistance.
Although there are many hands at work in the movement, we feel compelled to address discrepancies regarding nationally recognized Black Lives Matter chapters in Philadelphia. Since 2012, Black Lives Matter has come to represent the various forms of resistance, rebellions and other actions that advance the Movement for Black Lives. The Black Lives Matter network is a chapter-based national organization working for the validity of Black life. We are working to (re)build the Black liberation movement. We are intentional about how we as a network choose to strategize and organize for Black liberation, which means intentionally centering our Queer family and Black women leadership. Currently, there are 38 chapters within the official BLM Network. BLM Philly is the only official Black Lives Matter network chapter in Pennsylvania.
Black Lives Matter national (http://blacklivesmatter.com/find-chapters/) is not affiliated with Black Lives Matter PA. Black Lives Matter Philly has no affiliation with Black Lives Matter PA.
We respect the work of organizers and organizing groups who do so under the banner of Black Lives Matter and the Movement for Black Lives. However, presenting yourself and your work as affiliated with “Black Lives Matter” without official recognition from the national network creates confusion and a lack of accountability that can be counterproductive to our collective goals of Black liberation.
If you are looking to connect with the national BLM network in Philadelphia, we invite you to reach out to Black Lives Matter Philly.