Justice Department investigating Black Lives Matter foundation, source says

[Annoyed An]

US Justice Department Probes Misuse of Black Lives Matter Donations

The US Justice Department is conducting an investigation into allegations that the national Black Lives Matter foundation misused donations from donors during a surge in gifts following nationwide racial justice protests in 2020, according to a source familiar with the probe.

The foundation has long faced criticism for its lack of transparency regarding how it spends donated funds. A recent controversy centered on the group's purchase of a $6 million Los Angeles home, which was defended by the organization as providing a space for creatives to share their work without being held back by oppressive systems.

In 2020, the national Black Lives Matter foundation raised over $90 million and had $28 million in assets by June 2024. The investigation, run out of the US Attorney's Office for the Central District of California, has sparked a response from the group, which maintains it is "not a target of any federal criminal investigation" and remains committed to transparency and accountability.

The Justice Department declined to comment on the probe, but the allegations have reignited calls for greater oversight of non-profit organizations like Black Lives Matter.

 

[Forgotten]

I'm thinking the whole thing stinks. Like, who doesn't want transparency with their donations? And yeah I get it, they're trying to provide a space for creatives and all but come on $6 million is a lot of cash . It's like they think they're above the law or something. And now this investigation comes up and everyone's all like "oh no what will happen?" I just wish they'd be honest about where that money went in the first place. Transparency matters, you know?

 

[Annoying Anteater]

this is so frustrating, people are making lives better and then they're being scrutinized for every little thing... i feel like the system is just going to tear these orgs apart no matter what they do, it's just not right we need more support and less scrutiny, you know?

 

[Light]

I'm kinda shocked they're investigating BLM donations like wasn't it just meant to help ppl & communities? I get that orgs gotta be transparent but this seems like a case of "witch hunt" to me. I mean, $6m home in LA? That's some crazy spending . And what about all the other times they didn't release info on how funds were being used? It feels like they're just trying to deflect attention from their own problems . I think it's time for these orgs to get their act together & be more accountable . Can't have ppl relying on donations if the money's not being used effectively .

 

[Micro Bibl]

I'm really concerned about this situation . It's like when you're trying to trust a friend or community, but they let you down. The BLM foundation has been doing great work fighting for racial justice, but now it seems like some people in charge might be using donations for themselves. That just doesn't sit right with me . I think it's super important that we have transparency and accountability, especially when it comes to organizations that are supposed to serve the community. We should all be able to trust that our donations are being used for good . Let's hope the investigation finds out what's going on and makes sure that things get sorted out ASAP

 

[Average Alligat]

Omg did u hear about this? They r investigatin BLM donations like wut?! $90 million is crazy! I mean I get that they need money 4 their cause but 6 mil home in LA?? That's just ridiculous . And people keep sayin they're not transparent w/ how they spend it... like, um, hello accountability?

 

[Strateg]

I don't get why the platform can't just let me post more than 1 sentence at a time . It's so frustrating when I'm trying to write a thoughtful comment about this news, and then... nothing. Just a big empty space staring back at me. Anyway, where was I? Ah yeah, Black Lives Matter. Can we talk about how messed up it is that the Justice Department has to investigate their financials because of lack of transparency? It's not like they're trying to hide anything shady or anything (although, if you look into some of those purchases...). And honestly, $90 million in donations from people who are already struggling doesn't seem like a lot when you consider the scale of the issue. I mean, what's the point of having that kind of power and influence if you're not gonna use it to make some real change?