Where Does the Money Come From for Black Lives Matter?
The Black Lives Matter (BLM) movement has gained significant traction since its inception in 2013. Founded in response to the acquittal of Trayvon Martin’s murderer, this global organization aims to eradicate white supremacy and build local power to intervene in violence inflicted on Black communities by the state and vigilantes. Central to the movement are the fundraising efforts that support its mission and initiatives.
Black Lives Matter Support Fund
Donations made to support the Black Lives Matter cause largely benefit the Black Lives Matter Support Fund. This fund operates as a part of the Tides Foundation, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. The Support Fund serves as a centralized resource for funding various initiatives and projects that advocate for racial justice and equality.
Corporate Contributions
Several prominent corporations have pledged significant financial contributions to support the BLM movement. These financial commitments are a testament to the companies' commitment to social justice and their desire to contribute positively to society.
Apple
Apple, a leading tech giant, announced its support for the movement through the donation of 1 million dollars. Tim Cook, Apple’s CEO, tweeted following the death of George Floyd, supporting racial justice and mentioning their support for Equal Justice Initiative (EJI). While the specific amount is not disclosed, this contribution highlights Apple's dedication to addressing racial inequality.
Walmart
Walmart has taken a more tangible step by committing to a 5-year donation of 100 million dollars. Walmart CEO Doug McMillon’s email to employees acknowledged the tragedy of George Floyd’s murder, describing it as “tragic, painful and unacceptable.” This donation will contribute to the creation of a new center for racial equity.
Etsy
Online marketplace Etsy also showed its support by donating 1 million dollars. Half of this amount was redirected to the Equal Justice Initiative, and the other half went to Borealis Philanthropies' Black-Led Movement Fund. Moreover, Etsy’s employees' contributions were matched, further amplifying the impact of the donation.
MJH Life Sciences
MJH Life Sciences has also joined this movement, working with Roomi’s founder to support the National Medical Fellowships. This organization aims to increase the representation of underrepresented minority physicians and other professionals in the healthcare workforce, thereby improving access to quality healthcare in underprivileged communities.
Artists and Celebrities
The music industry has also come to the forefront in supporting the BLM movement. South Korean boy band BTS, known for their global influence, contributed 1 million dollars to the Black Lives Matter campaign. Their fans, inspired by the band's actions, matched the amount, pushing the campaign to a new level of engagement. The hashtag #MatchAMillion trended worldwide, signaling the powerful impact of celebrity support.
Conclusion: Corporate donations, artist contributions, and public support have all played a significant role in funding the Black Lives Matter movement. These financial commitments reflect a broader trend of corporations and individuals aligning their resources and actions with social justice causes, contributing to positive social change.