Patrisse Cullors, the co-founder of Black Lives Matter, has announced her resignation from the organization.
Black Lives Matter started as a hashtag in 2013 before becoming a global movement. The organization has chapters across the globe.
Cullors said she’s stepping away from the Black Lives Matter Global Network to focus on her forthcoming second book, “An Abolitionist’s Handbook.”
“I’ve created the infrastructure and the support, and the necessary bones and foundation, so that I can leave,” Cullors told The Associated Press. “It feels like the time is right.”
Cullors recently secured a TV development deal with Warner Bros. Cullors’ deal with Warner Bros comprises of scripted and unscripted series, longform series, animated and kids programming, as well as digital content, according to Variety. Cullors’ works will amplify the work of Black Lives Matter and create more opportunities for prominent Black storytelling.
“The work we’ve done for seven years inside of Black Lives Matter, but the work we’ve done for hundreds of years as Black people to keep trying to steer this ship in the right direction—the ship being America,” Cullors told ESSENCE in December. “While 73 million people did vote for a white supremacist, a bunch of us did not. And we’re gonna have to work to heal the pain of racism. But I believe we can. We’ve done so much. I just feel so proud of us,” she explained to the publication.
Cullors says she’s confident the foundation has been left in good hands.
“With smart, experienced and committed people supporting the organization during this transition, I know that BLMGNF is in good hands. The foundation’s agenda remains the same – eradicate white supremacy and build life-affirming institutions,” she said in a statement.
Cullors has faced heavy criticism from her right-wing critics, who have accused her of profiting off the movement and slammed her for owning four homes.
As per usual, they have also not provided any evidence to suggest she has misappropriated funds donated to the movement.
“Those were right-wing attacks that tried to discredit my character, and I don’t operate off of what the right thinks about me,” she said.
