WHO WE ARE
This chapter is part of a national movement,
aligned in Black love, power, and liberation in order to embody the declaration that
Black Lives Matter
– regardless of gender identity, gender expression,
sexual identity, immigration location or status,
gang affiliation, profession, ability,
economic status, and religious beliefs or disbelief.
COMMUNITY AGREEMENTS:
1. We agree that this is a space for Black people, Indigenous people, and People of Color to love on each other and build towards our liberation.
2. We agree this is a space that centers Black women, Black lgbtqia* fam, and Black femmes.
3. We agree to be aware of the space that we have traditionally taken, and to try something new.
4. We agree to not hog the mic.
5. We agree to actively listen.
6. We agree to check our power, privilege, and fragility.
7. We agree to love ourselves and others.
8. We agree to be accountable for what we do.
9. We agree to struggle against racism, sexism, classism, homophobia, transphobia, ageism, ableism, misogyny, and other harmful systems.
10. We agree to handle conflicts with love and respect without calling the police.
11. We agree that our gifts bring value to this space and we receive the gifts that this space offers us.
Mission Statement:
Working with residents and organizations in Denver, Black Lives Matter 5280 assists in building more loving and united Black communities while eliminating anti-Black violence and racism. To expose, address and eradicate structures and systems of oppression in Denver, BLM5280 uses a holistic racial justice approach. This approach builds collective power by strengthening individual and community health and wellness, developing educational programming, and creating safe spaces of Black love in which our people can heal and thrive. BLM5280 believes that all Black lives matter, regardless of gender identity, gender expression, sexual identity, immigration location or status, gang affiliation, profession, ability, economic status, and religious beliefs or disbelief. BLM5280 centers and celebrates the lives and leadership of Black women and girls, and knows that when poor, Queer, Black women are free, we will all be free. Our work is to cultivate communities of abundant joy where all Black people are emboldened and empowered to lead, love, heal, and thrive.
Commitment to Community:
1. Justice: In alignment with the commitment of the national Black Lives Matter movement, BLM 5280 will fight to end the structural oppressions embedded in racism, white supremacy, capitalism, hetero-patriarchy, and transphobia, that prevent so many from realizing their dreams. We cannot, and will not stop until the U.S. recognizes the value of Black life.
2. Leadership: We are committed to ensuring that this Black Lives Matter Chapter is a Black women affirming space free from sexism, misogyny, and male-centeredness. Thus, we are committed to modeling and developing compassionate, creative, bold, unapologetic Black women leadership.
3. Inclusivity: We are committed to respecting and celebrating the knowledge, experiences and truths of those who are frequently marginalized and made invisible. We are guided by the fact that ALL Black Lives Matter, regardless of actual or perceived gender identity, gender expression, sexual identity, immigration location or status, gang affiliation, profession, ability, economic status, and religious beliefs or disbeliefs.
4. Community: We are committed to centering our work around the needs of Denver’s Black communities. We embrace and celebrate the immense and beautiful diversity found within Denver’s Black communities, and are dedicated to using this diversity to
unite, rather than divide. We are committed to the relationship-building and maintaining the active community presence necessary to ensure that BLM5280 is connected to the marginalized communities we serve in an organic and authentic way.
5. Love: We are committed to doing this difficult work with Black love at the core, keeping in mind that when cultivated, Black love is inherently linked to a deep love for all who have been marginalized and made invisible in our communities. We will create a space that models and affirms a love of Blackness, joy, justice, community, and freedom.