CHICAGO –(ENEWSPF)—July 27, 2015. In response to yesterday’s unprompted violence against activists attending the Movement for Black Lives convening in Cleveland, OH, Black Youth Project 100 (BYP100) National Director Charlene Carruthers issued the following statement:
“The Movement for Black Lives Convening ended with a demonstration of what collective action can achieve in the face of police violence against a 14 year old boy and activists. Our commitment to abolishing the police state was strengthened and we remain steadfast in building a movement for all Black lives.”
BACKGROUND:
Black Youth Project 100 is an activist member-based organization of Black 18-35 year olds, dedicated to creating justice and freedom for all Black people. Formed in 2013, BYP100 engages in building a network of transformative leadership development, direct action organizing, advocacy and education using a Black queer feminist lens.
Dozens of BYP100 members from across the nation participated in the inaugural Movement for Black Lives convening in Cleveland, OH from July 24-26, 2015. On Sunday, July 26, a 14-year old Black boy was arrested by Cleveland Police at the conclusion of the conference, prompting several attendees – many whom are members of BYP100 – to ask the police why they were detaining the young boy. According to several eyewitness accounts, at least seven BYP100 members were pepper-sprayed by police at the scene without just cause. The young boy was released into his mother’s care after the mass direct action.
Source: www.BYP100.org
