BLACKOUT FOR HUMAN RIGHTS

Blackout for Human Rights is proud to announce that we’re...

Mon, 19 Aug 2019 14:47:43 -0400

Blackout for Human Rights is proud to announce that we’re standing with revolutionary Civil Rights Leader and Black Panther Chairman Fred Hampton, Fred Hampton Jr. and their family in the fight to purchase, restore and maintain the childhood home of Fred Hampton. Hampton Jr. and Save The Hampton House, Inc. are currently hosting a special GoFundMe to raise the funds needed in order to save their home. Please join us to support the revolutionary Fred Hampton and his family by donating and sharing the GoFundMe page today: http://bit.ly/2ZiCswQ. Together, we have the power to make a difference and support them. The people united will never be defeated.

“Descendants of iconic African American Chicago figures, like Ida B. Wells-Barnett and Fred Hampton, often struggle to manage the stories of their famous relatives” http://bit.ly/2Zh8RE6 via Chicago Tribune
“Fred Hampton was considered a uniter by those who knew him. He had managed to broker peace between warring gangs in Chicago and was known for uniting poor black, white and Puerto Rican people.” http://bit.ly/2z78WeP via The Root
The Sacrifices Of Slain Black Panther Party Leader Fred Hampton And His Family Are A Lesson In Black Love: http://bit.ly/2Z2EEJy via Essence
“The Assassination of Fred Hampton: How the FBI and the Chicago Police Murdered a Black Panther” http://bit.ly/2He07o8 via Democracy Now!
Black Panther Fred Hampton Created a “Rainbow Coalition” to Support Poor Americans: http://bit.ly/2KGpYXO via Teen Vogue
“Never forget that the FBI and Chicago Police Department conspired to murder Fred Hampton in his apartment because they were afraid he was creating a multiracial political coalition to challenge those in power. He was just 21 years old.” Clint Smith: http://bit.ly/2Z2kOOM via Newsweek
“Fred Hampton was born on August 30, 1948 in Summit, Illinois. His parents, Francis Allen Hampton and Iberia Hampton, were Louisiana natives who relocated to Chicago. As a youth, Fred excelled in sports and dreamed of playing baseball. However, he also excelled in the classroom. Hampton ultimately attended Triton College, where he studied pre-law in hopes of helping people of color fight back against police brutality. As a teen, Hampton became involved in civil rights by leading a local NAACP youth council. He helped to grow the council’s membership to more than 500 members.” http://bit.ly/2OYP1th via Thought Co.
“Despite the evidence provided by ballistics experts showing that police had fired 99 percent of the bullets and had falsified the report on the incident, the first federal grand jury did not indict anyone involved in the raid. Furthermore, even though a subsequent grand jury did indict all the police officers involved, the charges were dismissed.” http://bit.ly/2P4MlL0 via History
“The FBI convinced a criminal, William O'Neal, to infiltrate the Party and get close to Hampton. O'Neal succeeded in joining the Party, acting as Fred Hampton’s bodyguard and Director of Chapter Security. At the instruction of J. Edgar Hoover, he worked to undermine the coalitions that Hampton had created amongst the neighborhood gangs and organizations - causing a major rift and creating a distrust of the Black Panthers. On the evening of December 3, 1969, O’Neal slipped a powerful sleeping drug into Hampton’s drink then left. Officers were dispatched to raid his apartment. They stormed in and opened fire, killing Mark Clark, acting as his security guard. Then they opened fire on Hampton’s bedroom where he laid unconscious from the drug. Despite the intense round of fire, Hampton and his pregnant fiancee were only wounded. Upon that discovery, an officer shot him twice in his head and killed him. The remaining seven Panthers that were present in the apartment were all arrested and indicted by a grand jury on charges of attempted murder, armed violence, and a variety of weapons charges. These charges were eventually dropped after a Department of Justice investigation discovered that Chicago Police fired ninety-nine shots while the Panthers only shot twice.” http://bit.ly/2wzWuCD via U.S. National Archives
‘Nothing but a Northern Lynching’: The Assassination of Fred Hampton: http://bit.ly/31Q5Ecu via The Huffington Post

Blackout for Human Rights is a collective of artists, activists, filmmakers, organizers, musicians, religious leaders and concerned citizens who commit their energy and resources to immediately address the staggering level of human rights violations and injustices against our fellow brothers and sisters throughout the United States. Blackout has hosted national protest actions, donation drives, and special events including #BlackoutBlackFriday, MLK Now, Blackout Festival, #JusticeForFlint and more. Founded in 2014 by a group of activists and artists, Blackout is comprised of both high visibility and everyday citizens including Ryan Coogler, Ava DuVernay, Michael B. Jordan, Charles King, Jesse Williams, John Burris, Pastor Michael McBride, Scott Budnick, David Oyelowo, Will Packer, Marlon Wayans and more.

For more information, please follow Blackout for Human Rights on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook. For press and general questions, please email us at unitedblackout@gmail.com.

On Monday, January 21st from 2:00 PM to 6:00 PM, Blackout for...

Mon, 14 Jan 2019 19:41:30 -0500

On Monday, January 21st from 2:00 PM to 6:00 PM, Blackout for Human Rights will host the fourth annual MLK Now event, honoring the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. The event will take place at the historic Riverside Church in Harlem, where Dr. King gave his famous speech, “Beyond Vietnam: A Time to Break Silence,” in 1967.

MLK Now 2019 will again take place on MLK Day and feature a special program dedicated to inspiring audiences to take action, celebrating the legacies of past and present visionary voices, and creating an inclusive space for communities to come together. Presenting Sponsors for MLK Now 2019 include Color Of Change and Faith In Action.

MLK Now has featured special guests including J. Cole, Bilal, Harry Belafonte, Black Thought, India Arie, QTip, and many more. Past speeches and literature performed at MLK Now include Dr. King’s “Beyond Vietnam: A Time to Break Silence” performed by Lin-Manuel Miranda, Fred Hampton’s “Power Anywhere There’s People,“ performed by Michael B. Jordan, Angela Davis’ “Freedom Speech,“ performed by Tessa Thompson, Kathleen Cleaver’s “Women, Power, and Revolution,“ performed by Lupita Nyong’o, James Baldwin’s “My Dungeon Shook,” performed by Chris Rock, Dr. King’s “I’ve Been to the Mountaintop,” performed by Octavia Spencer, and more.

Special Guests and additional Partners for MLK Now 2019 will be announced shortly on Blackout’s Twitter, Instagram, Tumblr and Facebook.

**NOTE TO MEDIA AND ORGANIZATIONS: If you want to partner around MLK Now 2019 and/or plan to attend, please email Michael Latt at MichaelLatt@ThinkCommon.com.

“Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere” Dr....

Tue, 20 Nov 2018 19:33:42 -0500

“Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere” Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. It’s that time of year again. Stand with us and communities around the country on 11/23 for our fifth annual #BlackoutBlackFriday. Join us for a nationwide boycott and day of action on Black Friday, the biggest retail shopping day of the year, to spark change and stand united against racial, economic and social injustices. Launched in 2014, #BlackoutBlackFriday is a call-to-action encouraging all of us to use Black Friday as a day of action to make our voices heard on the issues that matter most like police brutality, mass incarceration, environmental racism, voter suppression, other forms of discrimination and more.

Our lives are joined by the money we spend as consumers. Today, more than ever, the levers of power – civic, corporate, industrial, capital – are tied to one another and to our economy. The US economy depends on our shopping, especially during the holiday season. But the lives of our brothers and sisters are worth more than the dollars we can save on holiday gifts. Together, we can make a historic stand against racism and spark change. Let’s demonstrate our unity. #BlackoutBlackFriday is an inclusive and intersectional movement that fights for all of our brothers and sisters, regardless of race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, creed, religion, nationality or gender. #BlackoutBlackFriday is deeply rooted in the revolutionary power of the people, the potent power of hope, the radical power of dissent and the influential power of artists. Together, we have the power to make our voices heard.

In the coming days, we’ll be announcing free Blackout events for Black Friday. In partnership with The Film Society of Lincoln Center we’re hosting a special event in New York City featuring a special screening and conversation with filmmaker, producer, director, artist, and musician Terence Nance, creator of the acclaimed HBO series “Random Acts of Flyness”. Nance will be joined in conversation by filmmaker Michèle Stephenson of Rada Film Group. This event will be free and open to the public. RSVP HERE.

Blackout for Human Rights is a collective of artists, activists, filmmakers, celebrities, religious leaders and concerned citizens who commit their energy and resources to immediately address the staggering level of human rights violations and injustices against our fellow brothers and sisters throughout the United States. Blackout has hosted national protest actions, donation drives, and special events including #BlackoutBlackFriday, MLK Now, Blackout Festival, #JusticeForFlint and more. Founded by Filmmaker Ryan Coogler in 2014, Blackout is comprised of both high visibility and everyday citizens including Ava DuVernay, Michael B. Jordan, Charles King, Jesse Williams, John Burris, Pastor Michael McBride, Scott Budnick, David Oyelowo, Will Packer, Marlon Wayans and more.

For more information, please follow Blackout for Human Rights on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook. For press and general questions, please email us at unitedblackout@gmail.com.

Where to Donate to Help Puerto Rico with Disaster Relief and...

Thu, 21 Sep 2017 12:01:40 -0400

Where to Donate to Help Puerto Rico with Disaster Relief and Recovery from Hurricanes Irma and Maria

Hurricane Maria, a category 4 hurricane with winds of 145 mph to 155 mph, landed in Puerto Rico Wednesday morning just a few days after Hurricane Irma. It is estimated that “Irma caused as much as $1 billion in damages on the bankrupt island.” The impact of hurricane Maria is expected to be worse, with significantly more fatalities, devastating the island’s infrastructure, producing prolonged electrical outages and stalling any potential for economic recovery for months to come.

Edwin Melendez, director of the Center for Puerto Rican Studies at Hunter College in New York, said such widespread outages would affect millions of people and deal double blows to communities in the island’s mountainous interior whose water systems depend on electricity. Two sectors of the Puerto Rican economy that have shown signs of life, tourism and agriculture, would also suffer. “It’s a grim picture no matter how you slice it,” Melendez said.

Puerto Rican community leaders and elected officials in the diaspora are calling for a renewed effort to assist Puerto Rico with disaster relief and recovery from Hurricanes Irma and Maria. Many families have lost their homes and need assistance with basic needs.

You can help by donating to charities in Puerto Rico that are leading the effort to mitigate the unfolding humanitarian crisis. Here are some proven organizations with direct access to the victims of these hurricanes. You can visit their online donations or send a check to the enclosed address.

Fondos Unidos de Puerto Rico

Address: P.O. Box 191914 San Juan, PR 00919
Website: http://www.fondosunidos.org/

Caritas Puerto Rico

Address: 201 Calle San Jorge, Esquina Baldorioty de Castro, San Juan, Puerto Rico 00902 / P.O. Box 8812, San Juan, Puerto Rico 00910-0812
Website: http://bit.ly/2wD3Bgy

Fundación Comunitaria de Puerto Rico

Address: 1719 Ave. Ponce de León, San Juan, PR 00909-1905
Website: https://www.fcpr.org/

Hurricane Maria Children’s Relief Fund

Address: 501 Kings Highway East, Suite 400, Fairfield, CT 06825
Website: http://bit.ly/2xhjUPI

Maria & Irma: Puerto Rico Real-Time Recovery Fund ConPRmetidos

Address: 1511 Ave. Ponce de León Suite K, La Ciudadela, San Juan P.R. 00909
Website: http://bit.ly/2w9VBPM

Blackout for Human Rights is taking part in a new initiative...

Sun, 17 Sep 2017 13:11:50 -0400

Blackout for Human Rights is taking part in a new initiative called #BlackoutNFL in support of Colin Kaepernick and his protest of police violence and racism in America. We proudly stand with Kaepernick. We’re inspired by his courage, resilience and determination throughout his fight for justice and equality for ALL Americans. We must stand united against hate and white supremacy. The #BlackoutNFL campaign will tie into Blackout’s larger #BlackoutBlackFriday campaign later this year.

In addition to Kaepernick, the #BlackoutNFL campaign supports all athletes who take part in Kaepernick’s protest like Michael Bennett and all public figures of color who speak out on injustice and white supremacy in America like Jemele Hill. We deeply admire and salute true patriots like Colin Kaepernick, Jemele Hill, Michael Bennett and others who are trying to make America a great country for EVERYONE.

Instead of watching the NFL, we encourage people to give back to the community and support the arts. This is an opportunity for all of us to support our communities rather than a corporate entity that ignores the most important social issues of our time.

The First White President: http://theatln.tc/2ww1czz via The Atlantic
The Courage of Colin Kaepernick: http://bit.ly/2wmY5Pd via The Undefeated
Colin Kaepernick Has a Job: http://ble.ac/2frj1tF via Bleacher Report
Donald Trump’s War with ESPN and Jemele Hill, Explained: http://bit.ly/2h9LDvt via Vox
Police Violence: American Epidemic, American Consent: http://nyti.ms/2xqZ6or via The New York Times

Blackout for Human Rights is a collective of artists, activists, filmmakers, celebrities, religious leaders and concerned citizens who commit their energy and resources to immediately address the staggering level of human rights violations and injustices against our fellow brothers and sisters throughout the United States. Blackout is comprised of both high visibility and everyday citizens.

Members include Ryan Coogler, Ava DuVernay, Michael B. Jordan, Charles King, Donald “Childish Gambino” Glover, Jesse Williams, John Burris, Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Rosa Clemente, Michael McBride, Scott Budnick, David Oyelowo, Pastor Michael McBride, Will Packer, Marlon Wayans and more.
We believe that in order to heal as a country, we must have an honest confrontation with our nation’s past and present. We stand against the demonization of dissent, the criminalization of poor people, the dehumanization of people of color, state-sanctioned violence, and all forms of discrimination. We believe in an inclusive and intersectional movement that fights for all of our brothers and sisters, regardless of race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, creed, religion, nationality or gender.

#BlackoutBlackFriday: Nationwide Black Friday Boycott & Day...

Fri, 25 Nov 2016 17:00:05 -0500

#BlackoutBlackFriday: Nationwide Black Friday Boycott & Day of Action to Stand United Against Racism & Spark Change http://thndr.me/I7vht7

Stand With Us Today for #BlackoutBlackFriday. Take a Moment and...

Fri, 25 Nov 2016 11:03:21 -0500

Stand With Us Today for #BlackoutBlackFriday. Take a Moment and Sign Up for Our Thunder Clap: http://bit.ly/2g5wyq9. Blackout for Human Rights is Hosting its Third Annual Blackout Black Friday with a Call to Action Encouraging All Concerned Citizens to Join in a Nationwide Economic Blackout on Black Friday, One of the Most Important Shopping Days of the Year. After Unprecedented Success in 2014 and 2015, Blackout is Once Again Calling on Americans to Refrain From Shopping on Black Friday and to Instead Stand with the Citizens of Ferguson, Standing Rock, Baltimore, Chicago, New York City, Flint, Oakland and All Those Who Have Suffered Atrocious Race-Based and Class-Based Acts of Hate.

Human Rights Group Plans to Protest Black Friday for a Powerful Reason: http://bit.ly/2gn3WIM via ATTN:
Blackout For Human Rights Hosts Black Friday Boycott, Events: http://bit.ly/2gip1Xy via Colorlines
Third #BlackoutBlackFriday Kicks Off With Special Screening of ‘I Am Not Your Negro’ + More: http://bit.ly/2fzcUUJ via Shadow & Act
A Human Rights Group Is Encouraging America to #BlackoutBlackFriday and Here’s Why: http://bit.ly/2goyVDf via Raw Story

Blackout is Organizing Free Community Events Around the Country Including Special Events in Oakland, New York City, and Los Angeles:

Los Angeles Event: http://bit.ly/BBFLA2016
New York City Event: http://bit.ly/2gyUpkW
Oakland Event: http://bit.ly/2fOYO2b

Our Third Annual #BlackoutBlackFriday is Today. Join Us Today...

Sat, 19 Nov 2016 21:01:12 -0500

Our Third Annual #BlackoutBlackFriday is Today. Join Us Today for a Nationwide Major Retail Boycott and Day of Action to Stand United Against Racism and Spark Change: http://bit.ly/2g5wyq9. We Are Making Black Friday (November 25, 2016) a Nationwide Day of Action and Major Retail Boycott. Together, We Have the Power to Make a Difference and Stand Up for Our Fellow Brothers and Sisters. Join Blackout for Human Rights on #BlackoutBlackFriday and Have Our Voices Heard! We’re Hosting Special Events in New York City, Oakland and Los Angeles that will be Free and Open to the Community. Please See Details Below and RSVP Today:

#BLACKOUTBLACKFRIDAY LOS ANGELES EVENT

WHAT: Event Includes a Special Screening of Ava DuVernay’s 13TH, a Special Advanced Screening of Raoul Peck’s I Am Not Your Negro, a Featured Panel Discussion, Live Performances and More
WHERE: Cinefamily at The Silent Movie Theatre (611 North Fairfax Avenue, Los Angeles, CA 90036)
WHEN: Friday, November 25; 1:00 PM to 7:00 PM PST (Doors Open at 12:30 PM PST)
RSVP: http://bit.ly/BBFLA2016

#BLACKOUTBLACKFRIDAY OAKLAND EVENT

WHAT: Event Includes a Special Screening of Ava DuVernay’s 13TH, Live Performances by Chinaka Hodge and Samora Pinderhughes, and More
WHERE: Red Bay Coffee (3098 E 10th St, Oakland, CA)
WHEN: Friday, November 25; 3:00 PM - 9:00 PM PST
RSVP: Free Tickets at Door. Limited Seating, Arrive Early

#BLACKOUTBLACKFRIDAY NEW YORK CITY EVENT

WHAT: Special Advanced Screening of Raoul Peck’s I Am Not Your Negro and Featured Panel Discussion.
WHERE: Film Society Lincoln Center’s Elinor Bunin Monroe Film Center Theater (144 W. 65th Street, NY, NY)
WHEN: Friday, November 25; 5:00 PM - 8:30 PM EST (Doors Open at 4:30 PM EST)
RSVP: Free Tickets at Door. Limited Seating, Arrive Early

Before the Events on Black Friday, Check Out the Film Trailers for 13th and I Am Not Your Negro! Panelists and Special Guests for the Events will be Announced on November 24.

Follow Blackout for Human Rights on Twitter and Facebook
Follow 13th on Twitter and Facebook
Follow I Am Not Your Negro on Twitter and Facebook

Our #JusticeForFlint Event on Sunday Raised Over $150,000 for...

Tue, 08 Mar 2016 13:49:31 -0500

Our #JusticeForFlint Event on Sunday Raised Over $150,000 for the People of Flint Affected by the Flint Water Crisis. Although Our Event is Over, the Fight for Justice and Democracy in Flint Has Just Begun. To Support Our Brothers and Sisters in Flint, Please Donate Today: rev.ms/Flint. Check Out All the Highlights and Unforgettable Moments from Our Event That Featured Live Musical Performances by Stevie Wonder, Janelle Monáe, Ledisi, Musiq Soulchild, Robert Glasper, Royce Da 5'9, Vic Mensa and Many More:

I Went to Flint, Drank the Water, and Saw the Future of Civil Rights: http://nym.ag/1RvJO1d via NY Mag
“‘We’ve really been moved by the hope you guys have and the bright future that’s here. So our heart really goes out to you. We’ve been inspired since we’ve been here,’ Ryan Coogler told the crowd at #JusticeForFlint” USA Today: http://usat.ly/1RQ7MGZ
11 Things You Missed If You Watched the Oscars Instead of Justice for Flint: http://bit.ly/1Ysqpn2 via MIC
“In Flint, the message was a strong — and direct — one in the at-capacity auditorium: Music, poetry, art has the power to incite change, start and further conversations, inspire the afflicted.” The Hollywood Reporter: http://bit.ly/24G17Gv
Justice for Flint Benefit Show Raises $156,000 for Water Crisis Relief: http://bit.ly/1nih7fJ via MLive
“Performing for a city poisoned by its own state government, a group of stars provided necessary Academy Awards counter programming” MTV: http://on.mtv.com/1R5BUBa
Why Ava DuVernay and Ryan Coogler Went to Flint Instead of the Oscars: http://bit.ly/1Sxqky5
“‘Flint didn’t exist in a vacuum before this happened, before its local and state government decided to systemically poison them. Flint has been a hotbed for racial injustice for decades: from mass incarceration, to school inequity, to really inalienated immigrant community, to unprecedented rates of unemployment,’ Jesse Williams said.” The Guardian: http://bit.ly/1XaqCKk
Ryan Coogler, Ava DuVernay Raise Over $100,000 For Flint Water Crisis: http://bit.ly/1p0Tmdw via Revolt TV
“Monáe and others delivered the kinds of performances that have made them stars, but what got my attention were the faces of the people of Flint, shining in the settling darkness as they listened. I saw eyes glistening with unshed tears and arms upraised to the heavens, emotions tugging at the edges of lips set hard against the grim. I saw hope in faces furrowed with anger and pain, and I heard the sound of huge hearts breaking in compassion for their terrible plight. These artists didn’t come to Flint so their egos could be served. They raised their voices so that the people of Flint could be heard and, one by one, ordinary people took the stage to bear powerful witness to what had happened to them. To what is still happening to them” Salon: http://bit.ly/21jyryq

Our #JusticeForFlint Event on Sunday Raised Over $150,000 for...

Sun, 06 Mar 2016 20:04:16 -0500

I Went to Flint, Drank the Water, and Saw the Future of Civil Rights: http://nym.ag/1RvJO1d via NY Mag
Ryan Coogler, Ava DuVernay Raise Over $100,000 For Flint Water Crisis: http://bit.ly/1p0Tmdw via Revolt TV
Best Moments Live From #JusticeForFlint Event on Social Media: http://bit.ly/1SlqOHn

Today is All About Flint. Stand with the People of Flint and...

Sun, 28 Feb 2016 08:28:20 -0500

Today is All About Flint. Stand with the People of Flint and Text JUSTICE to 83224 to Donate Today. Our #JusticeForFlint Special Event Today is Officially Sold Out But We Will Be Live Streaming Our Event Exclusively on Revolt.TV Starting at 5 PM EST. Join Janelle Monáe, Ledisi, Musiq Soulchild, Robert Glasper, Jesse Williams, Jasiri X, Ryan Coogler, Royce Da 5'9, Hannibal Buress, Jon Connor and Many More Today! Tweet at Us (@UnitedBlackout) Using #JusticeForFlint. For More on Our Event, Check Out the Articles Below:

There Will Be A Star-Studded Free Event For Flint On Oscars Night: http://bzfd.it/20TsBn9 via Buzzfeed
Ryan Coogler Announces #JusticeForFlint Benefit Fundraiser: http://bit.ly/1WLQ4po via Revolt TV
Here’s How to Get #JusticeForFlint Even Before Sunday’s Big Show: http://bit.ly/1QI96yo via Colorlines
Ava DuVernay, Hannibal Buress, Ryan Coogler to Headline Free Event for Flint, Michigan: http://bit.ly/1oFuvfD via Entertainment Weekly
Ryan Coogler to Host Free Event for Flint Water Crisis Victims on Same Night as Oscars: http://bit.ly/21dtoFa via Complex
Celebrities Organize #JusticeForFlint Event on the Same Night of the Oscars: http://bit.ly/1T50z9m via Blavity

Take a Moment to Read the Insightful Articles Below on the Flint Water Crisis to Learn More About the Situation:

“Since the city’s emergency managers decided to draw Flint’s water from the highly corrosive local river, this small city of 100,000 people – just 70 miles from Michigan’s great lakes, the world’s largest freshwater source – has suffered alone, let down by local, state and federal officials and almost entirely ignored by the rest of America.” The Guardian: http://bit.ly/1Tz1GxH
“Michigan Gov. Rick Snyder’s successive emergency managers are now gone from Flint, but the wreckage of their rule there still pollutes many homes. The crisis in Flint is, on the surface, about water. The Flint debacle also is about democracy.” Democracy Now: http://bit.ly/1Q6gdLt
“Environmental racism is an issue of political power: Polluters and waste sites are placed where politicians expect little or no political backlash.” The Nation: http://bit.ly/1V3R2wL
“What we have here is a horrific clash of race, class, politics and public health.” The New York Daily News: http://nydn.us/1SIrHL7
“First Flint’s auto manufacturing benefactor began cutting jobs. Then white flight pulled people into the suburbs. Residents of Michigan began agitating over taxes and ushered in laws that kneecapped the city’s finances. All of it set the stage for a massive public health disaster that has touched nearly everyone in the city.” Think Progress: http://bit.ly/20LtFyF
We Fear the Water: Residents Struggle to Cope with Flint Water Crisis: http://bit.ly/1oCERwL
“You know how many babies here is affected now man, for the rest of their lives? And to my understanding and my little research it’s irreversible once you get lead poison in the brain. It’s nothing you can do about it. And it’s like giving a whale a tic tac for bad breath man, giving us a case a water a day. How we supposed to bathe, man? I got a wife, and I got a daughter here. I need way more than one case of water now. The people in charge need to take responsibility for what they’ve done to this city, man! People out here are mad as hell man, and I’m one of ‘em.” Flint Resident Alvon Leighton in National Geographic: http://bit.ly/1PNL6YC

Stand with the People of #Flint and Text JUSTICE to 83224 to...

Thu, 25 Feb 2016 13:45:10 -0500

Stand with the People of #Flint and Text JUSTICE to 83224 to Donate Today. Our #JusticeForFlint Special Event This Sunday is Officially Sold Out But We Will Be Live Streaming Our Event Exclusively on Revolt.TV Starting at 5 PM EST. Join Janelle Monáe, Ledisi, Musiq Soulchild, Robert Glasper, Jesse Williams, Jasiri X, Ryan Coogler, Royce Da 5'9, Hannibal Buress, Jon Connor and Many More on Sunday! For More on Our Event, Check Out the Articles Below:

There Will Be A Star-Studded Free Event For Flint On Oscars Night: http://bzfd.it/20TsBn9 via Buzzfeed
Ryan Coogler Announces #JusticeForFlint Benefit Fundraiser: http://bit.ly/1WLQ4po via Revolt TV
Here’s How to Get #JusticeForFlint Even Before Sunday’s Big Show: http://bit.ly/1QI96yo via Colorlines
Ava DuVernay, Hannibal Buress, Ryan Coogler to Headline Free Event for Flint, Michigan: http://bit.ly/1oFuvfD via Entertainment Weekly
Ryan Coogler to Host Free Event for Flint Water Crisis Victims on Same Night as Oscars: http://bit.ly/21dtoFa via Complex
Celebrities Organize #JusticeForFlint Event on the Same Night of the Oscars: http://bit.ly/1T50z9m via Blavity

On Saturday, February 27 at 3:00 PM ET, NBPC will partner with Blackout to host a live online chat about the issues affecting the city of Flint. Moderated by political activist, author and commentator Van Jones, the chat will feature a panel discussion with filmmaker Ryan Coogler, pediatrician Rhea Boyd, Carmen Perez of Justice League NYC, Pastor Michael McBride of PICO (People Improving Communities through Organizing), Rashid Shabazz of Campaign for Black Male Achievement, Color of Change’s Rashad Robinson and Rick Carter of Michigan Faith in Action: ow.ly/YL5jO

Take a Moment to Read the Insightful Articles Below on the Flint Water Crisis to Learn More About the Situation:

“Since the city’s emergency managers decided to draw Flint’s water from the highly corrosive local river, this small city of 100,000 people – just 70 miles from Michigan’s great lakes, the world’s largest freshwater source – has suffered alone, let down by local, state and federal officials and almost entirely ignored by the rest of America.” The Guardian: http://bit.ly/1Tz1GxH
“Michigan Gov. Rick Snyder’s successive emergency managers are now gone from Flint, but the wreckage of their rule there still pollutes many homes. The crisis in Flint is, on the surface, about water. The Flint debacle also is about democracy.” Democracy Now: http://bit.ly/1Q6gdLt
“Environmental racism is an issue of political power: Polluters and waste sites are placed where politicians expect little or no political backlash.” The Nation: http://bit.ly/1V3R2wL
“What we have here is a horrific clash of race, class, politics and public health.” The New York Daily News: http://nydn.us/1SIrHL7
“First Flint’s auto manufacturing benefactor began cutting jobs. Then white flight pulled people into the suburbs. Residents of Michigan began agitating over taxes and ushered in laws that kneecapped the city’s finances. All of it set the stage for a massive public health disaster that has touched nearly everyone in the city.” Think Progress: http://bit.ly/20LtFyF
We Fear the Water: Residents Struggle to Cope with Flint Water Crisis: http://bit.ly/1oCERwL
“You know how many babies here is affected now man, for the rest of their lives? And to my understanding and my little research it’s irreversible once you get lead poison in the brain. It’s nothing you can do about it. And it’s like giving a whale a tic tac for bad breath man, giving us a case a water a day. How we supposed to bathe, man? I got a wife, and I got a daughter here. I need way more than one case of water now. The people in charge need to take responsibility for what they’ve done to this city, man! People out here are mad as hell man, and I’m one of ‘em.” Flint Resident Alvon Leighton in National Geographic: http://bit.ly/1PNL6YC

Together, We Have the Power to Make Our Voices Heard. Join...

Wed, 24 Feb 2016 12:24:28 -0500

Together, We Have the Power to Make Our Voices Heard. Join Janelle Monáe, Ava DuVernay, Ledisi, Musiq Soulchild, Robert Glasper, Jesse Williams, Jasiri X, Ryan Coogler, Royce Da 5'9, Hannibal Buress and Many More in #Flint at Our Free #JusticeForFlint Event This Sunday! To RSVP for Free, CLICK Here → http://bit.ly/24nzv8Y! Tune In to the Live Stream of the Event Exclusively on Revolt.TV Starting at 5 PM EST. Support the Local Communities in Flint and Donate by Texting JUSTICE to 83224. For More on Our Event, Check Out the Articles Below:

There Will Be A Star-Studded Free Event For Flint On Oscars Night: http://bzfd.it/20TsBn9
Ava DuVernay, Hannibal Buress, Ryan Coogler to Headline Free Event for Flint, Michigan: http://bit.ly/1oFuvfD via Entertainment Weekly
Ryan Coogler to Host Free Event for Flint Water Crisis Victims on Same Night as Oscars: http://bit.ly/21dtoFa via Complex
Celebrities Organize #JusticeForFlint Event on the Same Night of the Oscars: http://bit.ly/1T50z9m via Blavity

Take a Moment to Read the Insightful Articles Below on the Flint Water Crisis to Learn More About the Situation:

“Since the city’s emergency managers decided to draw Flint’s water from the highly corrosive local river, this small city of 100,000 people – just 70 miles from Michigan’s great lakes, the world’s largest freshwater source – has suffered alone, let down by local, state and federal officials and almost entirely ignored by the rest of America.” The Guardian: http://bit.ly/1Tz1GxH
“Michigan Gov. Rick Snyder’s successive emergency managers are now gone from Flint, but the wreckage of their rule there still pollutes many homes. The crisis in Flint is, on the surface, about water. The Flint debacle also is about democracy.” Democracy Now: http://bit.ly/1Q6gdLt
“Environmental racism is an issue of political power: Polluters and waste sites are placed where politicians expect little or no political backlash.” The Nation: http://bit.ly/1V3R2wL
“What we have here is a horrific clash of race, class, politics and public health.” The New York Daily News: http://nydn.us/1SIrHL7
“First Flint’s auto manufacturing benefactor began cutting jobs. Then white flight pulled people into the suburbs. Residents of Michigan began agitating over taxes and ushered in laws that kneecapped the city’s finances. All of it set the stage for a massive public health disaster that has touched nearly everyone in the city.” Think Progress: http://bit.ly/20LtFyF
We Fear the Water: Residents Struggle to Cope with Flint Water Crisis: http://bit.ly/1oCERwL
“You know how many babies here is affected now man, for the rest of their lives? And to my understanding and my little research it’s irreversible once you get lead poison in the brain. It’s nothing you can do about it. And it’s like giving a whale a tic tac for bad breath man, giving us a case a water a day. How we supposed to bathe, man? I got a wife, and I got a daughter here. I need way more than one case of water now. The people in charge need to take responsibility for what they’ve done to this city, man! People out here are mad as hell man, and I’m one of ‘em.” Flint Resident Alvon Leighton in National Geographic: http://bit.ly/1PNL6YC

Join Janelle Monáe, Ava DuVernay, Ledisi, Musiq Soulchild,...

Tue, 23 Feb 2016 15:28:40 -0500

Join Janelle Monáe, Ava DuVernay, Ledisi, Musiq Soulchild, Robert Glasper, Jesse Williams, Jasiri X, Ryan Coogler, Royce Da 5'9, Hannibal Buress and Many More in #Flint at Our Free #JusticeForFlint Event This Sunday! To RSVP for Free, CLICK Here → http://bit.ly/24nzv8Y! For More on Our Event, Check Out the Articles Below:

There Will Be A Star-Studded Free Event For Flint On Oscars Night: http://bzfd.it/20TsBn9
Ava DuVernay, Hannibal Buress, Ryan Coogler to Headline Free Event for Flint, Michigan: http://bit.ly/1oFuvfD via Entertainment Weekly
Ryan Coogler to Host Free Event for Flint Water Crisis Victims on Same Night as Oscars: http://bit.ly/21dtoFa via Complex
Celebrities Organize #JusticeForFlint Event on the Same Night of the Oscars: http://bit.ly/1T50z9m via Blavity

Take a Moment to Read the Insightful Articles Below on the Flint Water Crisis to Learn More About the Situation:

“Since the city’s emergency managers decided to draw Flint’s water from the highly corrosive local river, this small city of 100,000 people – just 70 miles from Michigan’s great lakes, the world’s largest freshwater source – has suffered alone, let down by local, state and federal officials and almost entirely ignored by the rest of America.” The Guardian: http://bit.ly/1Tz1GxH
Michigan Gov. Rick Snyder’s successive emergency managers are now gone from Flint, but the wreckage of their rule there still pollutes many homes. The crisis in Flint is, on the surface, about water. The Flint debacle also is about democracy.” Democracy Now: http://bit.ly/1Q6gdLt
“Environmental racism is an issue of political power: Polluters and waste sites are placed where politicians expect little or no political backlash.” The Nation: http://bit.ly/1V3R2wL
“What we have here is a horrific clash of race, class, politics and public health.” The New York Daily News: http://nydn.us/1SIrHL7
“First Flint’s auto manufacturing benefactor began cutting jobs. Then white flight pulled people into the suburbs. Residents of Michigan began agitating over taxes and ushered in laws that kneecapped the city’s finances. All of it set the stage for a massive public health disaster that has touched nearly everyone in the city.” Think Progress: http://bit.ly/20LtFyF
We Fear the Water: Residents Struggle to Cope with Flint Water Crisis: http://bit.ly/1oCERwL
“You know how many babies here is affected now man, for the rest of their lives? And to my understanding and my little research it’s irreversible once you get lead poison in the brain. It’s nothing you can do about it. And it’s like giving a whale a tic tac for bad breath man, giving us a case a water a day. How we supposed to bathe, man? I got a wife, and I got a daughter here. I need way more than one case of water now. The people in charge need to take responsibility for what they’ve done to this city, man! People out here are mad as hell man, and I’m one of ‘em.” Flint Resident Alvon Leighton in National Geographic: http://bit.ly/1PNL6YC

Together, We Have the Power to Make Our Voices Heard. Join...

Mon, 22 Feb 2016 13:50:17 -0500

Together, We Have the Power to Make Our Voices Heard. Join Janelle Monáe, Ava DuVernay, Ledisi, Musiq Soulchild, Robert Glasper, Jesse Williams, Jasiri X, Ryan Coogler, Royce Da 5'9, Hannibal Buress and Many More in #Flint at Our Free #JusticeForFlint Event This Sunday! To RSVP for Free, CLICK Here → http://bit.ly/24nzv8Y! Tune In to the Live Stream of the Event Exclusively on Revolt.TV Starting at 5 PM EST. Support the Local Communities in Flint and Donate by Texting JUSTICE to 83224. For More on Our Event, Check Out the Articles Below:

There Will Be A Star-Studded Free Event For Flint On Oscars Night: http://bzfd.it/20TsBn9
Ava DuVernay, Hannibal Buress, Ryan Coogler to Headline Free Event for Flint, Michigan: http://bit.ly/1oFuvfD via Entertainment Weekly
Ryan Coogler to Host Free Event for Flint Water Crisis Victims on Same Night as Oscars: http://bit.ly/21dtoFa via Complex
Celebrities Organize #JusticeForFlint Event on the Same Night of the Oscars: http://bit.ly/1T50z9m via Blavity

Take a Moment to Read the Insightful Articles Below on the Flint Water Crisis to Learn More About the Situation:

“Since the city’s emergency managers decided to draw Flint’s water from the highly corrosive local river, this small city of 100,000 people – just 70 miles from Michigan’s great lakes, the world’s largest freshwater source – has suffered alone, let down by local, state and federal officials and almost entirely ignored by the rest of America.” The Guardian: http://bit.ly/1Tz1GxH
“Michigan Gov. Rick Snyder’s successive emergency managers are now gone from Flint, but the wreckage of their rule there still pollutes many homes. The crisis in Flint is, on the surface, about water. The Flint debacle also is about democracy.” Democracy Now: http://bit.ly/1Q6gdLt
“Environmental racism is an issue of political power: Polluters and waste sites are placed where politicians expect little or no political backlash.” The Nation: http://bit.ly/1V3R2wL
“What we have here is a horrific clash of race, class, politics and public health.” The New York Daily News: http://nydn.us/1SIrHL7
“First Flint’s auto manufacturing benefactor began cutting jobs. Then white flight pulled people into the suburbs. Residents of Michigan began agitating over taxes and ushered in laws that kneecapped the city’s finances. All of it set the stage for a massive public health disaster that has touched nearly everyone in the city.” Think Progress: http://bit.ly/20LtFyF
We Fear the Water: Residents Struggle to Cope with Flint Water Crisis: http://bit.ly/1oCERwL
“You know how many babies here is affected now man, for the rest of their lives? And to my understanding and my little research it’s irreversible once you get lead poison in the brain. It’s nothing you can do about it. And it’s like giving a whale a tic tac for bad breath man, giving us a case a water a day. How we supposed to bathe, man? I got a wife, and I got a daughter here. I need way more than one case of water now. The people in charge need to take responsibility for what they’ve done to this city, man! People out here are mad as hell man, and I’m one of ‘em.” Flint Resident Alvon Leighton in National Geographic: http://bit.ly/1PNL6YC

We’re Thrilled to Share with You the Official Lineup of Historic...

Sat, 16 Jan 2016 10:28:06 -0500

We’re Thrilled to Share with You the Official Lineup of Historic Speeches that will be Performed at #MLKNOW by Some of Today’s Best Actors/Artists including Actor and Civil Rights Icon Harry Belafonte, Actor and Comedian Chris Rock, Oscar-Winner Octavia Spencer, Creator and Star of the hit Broadway Musical “Hamilton” Lin Manuel Miranda, CREED Actors Michael B. Jordan and Tessa Thompson, Tony Award Winner Anika Noni Rose, Actor Andre Holland, Actresses Condola Rashad and Adepero Oduye, and more.

MLK Now will also feature musical performances by Rose, Grammy-Nominated Artist Bilal, Acclaimed Poet/Performer Saul Williams, and Grammy-Winning Artist India Arie, and closes off with an interactive panel discussion addressing the most pressing human rights issues of today – including police violence, racial and social injustice, economic inequality, the prison industrial complex and grassroots and political mobilization. Panelists include Filmmaker and Blackout Member Ryan Coogler, Grammy-Nominated Hip Hop Artist J. Cole, Urban Cusp Founder and Publisher Rahiel Tesfamariam, Arab American Association of New York Executive Director Linda Sarsour, Million Hoodies Movement for Justice Executive Director Dante Barry, and Activist Leon Ford, Jr.
RSVP for MLK Now: http://bit.ly/22PXg8R

We’re Excited to Share Our Full Lineup of Official...

Wed, 25 Nov 2015 22:18:37 -0500

We’re Excited to Share Our Full Lineup of Official #BlackoutBlackFriday Free Events. Three Cities in One Day: Los Angeles, New York City and Oakland. See Details Below:

#BLACKOUTBLACKFRIDAY LOS ANGELES EVENT DETAILS

Venue: Downtown Independent Theater; 251 S Main St, Los Angeles, CA 90012
Event Time: 2:30 PM - 8:30 PM
Admission: FREE; RSVP Here: http://bit.ly/BBFLA15
Film #1: The Black Panthers: Vanguard of the Revolution, Directed by Stanley Nelson
Film #2: Justice or Else Documentary
Film #3: Imperial Dreams, Directed by Malik Vitthal
Additional Features: Featured Panel, Spoken Word Performance, Artist Showcase and Toy/Toiletry Drive

#BLACKOUTBLACKFRIDAY OAKLAND EVENT DETAILS

Venue: The New Parkway Theater
Event Time: 2:30 PM - 9:00 PM
Admission: FREE
Film #1: The Black Panthers: Vanguard of the Revolution
Film #2: Imperial Dreams
Additional Features: Two Panels, Food Drive and More

#BLACKOUTBLACKFRIDAY NEW YORK CITY EVENT DETAILS

Venue: Elinor Bunin Munroe Film Center, Film Society of Lincoln Center
Event Time: Film Screening 5:00 PM - 7:30 PM; Concert from 7:50 PM - 8:50 PM
Admission: FREE; Capacity about 100: Tickets Available Starting 30 Minutes Before Event Start Time
Musical Performances: Samora Pinderhughes, Chris Turner, Kris Bowers, Pudge, Bilal Salaam
Spoken Word Performances: Young Poets from Urban Word NYC
Film #1: Selected Shorts
Film #2: BaddDDD Sonia Sanchez

JOIN Blackout for Human Rights and Countless Activists Around...

Tue, 24 Nov 2015 18:43:44 -0500

JOIN Blackout for Human Rights and Countless Activists Around the Country on Black Friday for Our Second Annual #BlackoutBlackFriday Initaitive. The Time Has Come for All of Us to Stand United in the Face of Racism, Sexism and Other Forms of Hate. We Invite You to Stand Up With Us Against Police Brutality, Racist Public Policies and Other Oppressive Forces and Boycott All Major Retailers on Black Friday. We #BlackoutBlackFriday for Mike Brown, Tamir Rice, Sandra Bland, Oscar Grant, and the Countless Other Victims of State Sanctioned Violence. Instead of Shopping on the Biggest Consumer Day of the Year, We’re Transforming Black Friday Into a Coordinated Day of Action with Demonstrations and Events Nationwide. For Details on Our Official Events, Please See Below!

As Part of Our Annual #BlackoutBlackFriday, We Will be Hosting Events Around the Country Including Los Angeles, Oakland and New York City. Check Out the Details Below and Come Out to One of Our Events on 11/27:

#BLACKOUTBLACKFRIDAY LOS ANGELES EVENT DETAILS

Venue: Downtown Independent Theater; 251 S Main St, Los Angeles, CA 90012
Event Time: 2:30 PM - 8:30 PM
Admission: FREE; Strongly Encourage Toiletry/Toy Donation (RSVP Here: http://bit.ly/BBFLA15)
Film #1: The Black Panthers: Vanguard of the Revolution, Directed by Stanley Nelson
Film #2: Justice or Else Documentary
Film #3: Imperial Dreams, Directed by Malik Vitthal
Additional Features: Featured Panel, Spoken Word Performance, Artist Showcase and Toy/Toiletry Drive

#BLACKOUTBLACKFRIDAY OAKLAND EVENT DETAILS

Venue: The New Parkway
Event Time: 2:30 PM - 9:00 PM
Admission: FREE
Film #1: The Black Panthers: Vanguard of the Revolution
Film #2: Imperial Dreams
Additional Features: Two Panels, Food Drive and More

#BLACKOUTBLACKFRIDAY NEW YORK CITY EVENT DETAILS

Venue: Elinor Bunin Munroe Film Center, Film Society of Lincoln Center
Event Time: Film Screening 5:00 PM - 7:30 PM; Concert from 7:50 PM - 8:50 PM
Admission: FREE; Capacity about 100: Tickets Available Starting 30 Minutes Before Event Start Time
Musical Performances: Samora Pinderhughes, Chris Turner, Kris Bowers, Pudge, Bilal Salaam
Spoken Word Performances: Young Poets from Urban Word NYC
Film #1: Selected Shorts
Film #2: BaddDDD Sonia Sanchez

#ThatAwkwardMoment When You Realize People Deflecting Equality...

Sun, 22 Nov 2015 18:58:52 -0500

#ThatAwkwardMoment When You Realize People Deflecting Equality Issues with Another Issue in Response to Social Justice Activism is Just a Distraction Tactic. It’s Not About Free Speech… It’s Not About Religious Liberty… It’s Not About the Constitution… It’s Not About Black-on-Black Crime… Whether It’s LGBTQ Rights, Racial Justice or Gender Equality, this Deceptive Diversion Tactic MUST Stop for Us to Move Forward and Create a Better America for EVERYONE. Read the Articles Below for More Insight:

“Of the many concerns unearthed by the protests at two major universities this week, the velocity at which we now move from racial recrimination to self-righteous backlash is possibly the most revealing. The unrest that occurred at the University of Missouri and at Yale University, two outwardly dissimilar institutions, shared themes of racial obtuseness, arthritic institutional responses to it, and the feeling, among students of color, that they are tenants rather than stakeholders in their universities. That these issues have now been subsumed in a debate over political correctness and free speech on campus—important but largely separate subjects—is proof of the self-serving deflection to which we should be accustomed at this point.” Continue Reading The New Yorker’s Article here: http://bit.ly/1XjNqXd
“A powerful example of this is when Black communities protest the systematic assault by police on their communities and a Fox news pundit, media representative, or even a professor counters by asking,What about Black on Black crime? This is a derailing strategy because people feel compelled to respond to the question of ‘Black on Black crime,’ while the conversation regarding police brutality is interrupted” Continue Reading Truth Out’s Article here: http://bit.ly/1PUps4g

Don’t Forget About Our Annual #BlackoutBlackFriday Initiative and Our Free Events in LA, NYC and Oakland. RSVP to Our LA Event Featuring Three Film Screenings, One Panel, Spoken Word Performances and Toy/Toiletry Drive: http://bit.ly/BBFLA15

From #StudentBlackOut to #BlackoutBlackFriday (NEXT Week), the...

Fri, 20 Nov 2015 17:06:29 -0500

From #StudentBlackOut to #BlackoutBlackFriday (NEXT Week), the Unity and Power of the People is on Full Display. The #Blackout Movement is Taking Over the Country. Join Us Next Friday for Our Second Annual Blackout Black Friday: http://bit.ly/1jbQkzJ and Read the Articles Below on Yesterday’s Nationwide Student Blackout:

“Students across the country united for a day of action on Wednesday to challenge the racial inequities they face on campus. Calling it #StudentBlackOut Day on social media, student activists from more than 37 colleges led their peers in protests” The Huffington Post: http://huff.to/1lzpfbG
#StudentBlackOut Movement Demands Institutional Change in Schools: http://bit.ly/1NhiVSn via The Root