Staff Reports
Where’s the hype now? That might be the question hanging in the minds of those who once donned black squares on their social media in solidarity with Black Lives Matter (BLM). The organization that surged to prominence in the wake of George Floyd’s death in 2020 is currently in the spotlight amid discussions about their financial expenditures. Headlines have been buzzing about the management of millions in donations amidst questions of transparency and accountability. With $90 million pouring in during the height of the protests, questions about where that money went have taken center stage.
It turns out that some BLM leaders made rather extravagant purchases with the money meant to fight injustice. Luxurious mansions, million-dollar arts centers, and hefty consulting fees have raised a few eyebrows. Reports mention a $6 million luxury mansion in California and a $6.3 million art center in Toronto. While these places might sound posh, critics argue they don’t quite fit into relieving widespread social inequality. With these kinds of expenditures under the spotlight, people can’t help but wonder if the charitable funds had a detour to Fund City.
As if that wasn’t enough, some security and consulting services stirred up even more questions. It’s reported that Patrice Cullors, who was a leading figure in BLM, paid her brother $1.6 million for security services. The brother, it seems, has no formal background in security. Such dealings make folks suspicious and concerned that family ties might have taken precedence over proper allocation of resources.
What happened to an organization that raised tens of millions of dollars and galvanized a worldwide movement? Now they find themselves facing criticism and scrutiny over their financial practices, with fundraising reportedly dropping dramatically. It all seems like a lesson in financial management. Conservatives everywhere can’t help but chuckle a little, thinking about how the “trained Marxists” might now find themselves on less appealing financial platforms, proving yet again that unchecked handling of funds just doesn’t add up right.
