(Audit) Black Lives Matter
written by a member of the WCB
Black Lives Matter: 2024 Audit
1. National Campaign Launch: "People's Response Campaign"
The Movement for Black Lives (M4BL), a key component of the broader Black Lives Matter movement, launched a major national initiative called the "People's Response Campaign: Emergencies in Better Hands" in 2024. This campaign's primary objective: revolutionize public safety approaches for Black communities.
Key Points:
- Focus on non-police crisis responses to emergencies
- Aim to establish mental health-centered alternatives to traditional policing
- Operating in 20 cities across the United States
- Driven by local Black-led organizations
2. Policy Push: The People's Response Act
M4BL continued to advocate for the People's Response Act, the first BREATHE-inspired bill introduced in Congress. This legislation aims to:
- Advance a health-centered approach to public safety
- Reduce reliance on policing and incarceration
- Invest in community-led safety responses
3. Electoral Strategy
With 2024 being an election year, BLM focused on building electoral power through:
- Advancing state ballot initiatives aligned with the Vision for Black Lives
- Creating voter engagement strategies to mobilize Black voters
- Emphasizing the importance of local and national elections in shaping public safety policies
4. Education Initiatives
The "Teaching for Black Lives" campaign gained momentum in 2024:
- Organized the Black Lives Matter at School Week of Action (February 3-7, 2025)
- Theme: "Collective Value"
- Focused on increasing Black and Brown educators in K-12
- Promoted teaching of Black history and ethnic studies
5. Community Safety Research
M4BL released the "Perspectives on Community Safety from Black America" report, revealing:
- 90% of Black Americans would prefer calling a mental health crisis center over police
- 86% support creating specialized first responders for de-escalation and mental health
- 68% back reinvesting part of police budgets into healthcare, education, and housing
6. Local Organizing and Training
The People's Response Campaign Fellows program was established, involving individuals from 20 Black-led organizations nationwide. Their mission:
- Develop local campaigns for community-led safety responses
- Create alternatives to policing, jails, and prisons
- Focus on mental health and wellness investments
7. Continued Advocacy Against Police Violence
BLM maintained its stance against police brutality, highlighting:
- The creation of "cop cities" in over 50 urban areas
- Escalating police violence against students and professors
- Increased funding for weapons at the expense of healthcare and mental health services
8. Cultural and Academic Events
Throughout 2024, BLM-affiliated organizations hosted various events, including:
- The 9th annual Black Lives Matter Summit (April 16, 2024)
- Theme: "Black Creative Expression, Politics and Social Change"
- Discussions on the intersection of Black expression, creativity, and politics
- Celebration of "50 Years of Hip Hop"
2024 saw Black Lives Matter evolve its strategy, focusing on concrete policy changes, community-based solutions, and electoral engagement. The movement continued to push for systemic reforms in public safety, education, and community investment, while maintaining its core mission of combating racial injustice and police brutality. BLM's approach in 2024 demonstrated a shift towards more structured, policy-oriented activism, coupled with grassroots organizing and cultural engagement.