Black Lives Matter (BLM) was co-founded by Patrisse Cullors, Alicia Garza and Opal Tometi, however, contributions to their organization are being raised by Cal State LA Professor Melina Abdullah who has become the official “face” of the Los Angeles chapter. Abdullah has raised over $2.6 million, under the BLM banner, and has publicly addressed concerns over how those funds are being spent.
It is unknown why Abdullah isn’t listed as an official co-founder on the BLMLA website although she is repeatedly credited in news reports as such, however, on July 4, 2020, she took the time to issue a public statement, on how the funds being raised are being spent.
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Abdullah explained to funders/supporters that “modest support” has went to families of those killed by police and funds are held by a fiscal agent, which was not identified.
It is not clear why Abdullah felt the need to address this, however, for the sake of transparency she cleared up confusion for the organizations funders and supporters.
