‘We are in a state of emergency’: Black Youth Project 100 Condemns Police Violence Against Movement for Black Lives Attendees

CHICAGO, IL – 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.

For more information, contact:  Michael J. Brewer at 202-520-0586 to coordinate.]