Statement by Patrisse Cullors, Executive Director, Black Lives Matter Global Network in Response to Pat Robertson’s Comments on the Black Lives Matter Movement

In response to the outlandish comments made by televangelist Pat Robertson, we are here yet again being attacked for standing up against white supremacy. To insinuate that our movement is trying to destroy Christianity is disgraceful and outright offends our Christian siblings who are a part of our movement against racial injustice. The statements made by Pat Robertson are completely inflammatory and dangerous.

Black Lives Matter Global Network Foundation recognizes that our vision may not be agreed upon by everyone; but to blatantly disregard our work and equate it to destroying a religion is reckless. It is our hope that Pat Robertson addresses his remarks and the countless lives his statements have offended. We want it to be very clear that the Black Lives Matter Global Network Foundation intentions are continuing to disrupt those individuals that have consistently attacked our character, progress, and path forward. Our work is to connect Black people from all over the world who have a shared desire for justice to act together in their respective communities. In collaboration with our vision, we have been joined by millions of partners and supporters around the world in this fight to recommit to healing ourselves and each other while celebrating our powerful visionary message and fight.

People are hurting all across this country due to the carelessness of comments made by individuals like Pat Robertson. At what point do those individuals who walk alongside him stop and say, enough is enough with the sexist, misogynistic, and supremacist way of displaying the bigotry that continues to flow from the souls of many of our leaders. Christianity was built on empathy; not hate. Until hate and racism is eradicated, America will continue to be a divided nation.

We believe those of all religious views and backgrounds, or disbelief; all genders as equal; Black lives not being eradicated using guns and knees in our necks; the elimination of the constant betrayal of our poor and oppressed communities; and, certainly, continuing to foster a united country that works for everyone despite their actual or perceived sexual identity, gender identity, gender expression, economic status, disability, immigration status, or intergenerational way of life.

We, the Black Lives Matter Global Network Foundation embody and practice justice, liberation, and peace in our engagements with one another. It is our hope that Pat Robertson and anyone else who believes we are destroying Christianity with our work, would join us in our movement as we will continue to galvanize these moments of division and false character accusations as fuel to move our country and world forward. Every day, we are surviving — if we do. We will continue to rise up until all Black lives are valued and matter across this world.

About BLM Global Network Foundation

#BlacklivesMatter was founded in 2013 in response to the acquittal of Trayvon Martin’s murder. Black Lives Matter Global Network Foundation is a global foundation supporting Black led movements in the US, UK, and Canada, whose mission is to eradicate white supremacy and build local power to intervene in violence inflicted on Black communities by the state and vigilantes. By combatting and countering acts of violence, creating space for Black imagination and innovation, and centering Black joy, we are winning immediate improvements in our lives.

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