Location: Denver, CO
Mission:
Working with residents and organizations in Denver, Black Lives Matter 5280 (BLM 5280) builds more loving and united Black communities while eliminating anti-Black violence and racism. To expose, address, and eradicate structural oppression in Denver, BLM 5280 uses a holistic racial justice approach that strengthens health and wellness, community building, educational programming, economic sustainability, and direct-action strategies. This approach to racial equity is fortified by a commitment to economic justice—one that counters the ongoing effects of slavery and the continuous exploitation of Black labor, while challenging white supremacy. Our chapter is part of a national movement, aligned in Black love, power, and liberation, embodying the declaration that Black Lives Matter–regardless of gender identity, gender expression, sexual identity, immigration status or location, gang affiliation, profession, ability, economic status, and religious beliefs or disbelief. BLM 5280 centers and celebrates the lives and leadership of Black women and girls. We firmly believe that communal visions of liberation are the way forward into a beloved society that affirms gender equality, racial equity, and social justice. Our work is to cultivate communities of abundant joy where all Black people are emboldened and empowered to lead, love, heal, and thrive.
The Education Squad developed and conducted its first Freedom School in July 2018. The mission of the BLM 5280 Freedom School is to teach children to become racially literate, advocate for themselves, and critically challenge white supremacy. The purpose of the Freedom School is to respond to a lack of humanizing, self-affirming, queer-positive educational opportunities for Black children in their traditional school system. The Freedom School provides an alternative setting for parents who do not feel that our children are being taught self-love and a passion for justice and liberation through their formal education.
Website: www.blacklivesmatter5280.com