When They Call You a Terrorist: A Black Lives Matter Memoir

by Patrisse Cullors

• Ending all violence against Black bodies • Acknowledging, respecting and celebrating difference(s) • Seeing ourselves as part of the Global Black family and remaining aware that there are different ways we are impacted or privileged as Black folk who exist in different parts of the world • Honoring the leadership and engagement of our Trans and gender non-conforming comrades • Being self-reflective about and dismantling cisgender privilege and uplifting Black Trans folk, especially Black Transwomen, who continue to be disproportionately impacted by Trans-antagonistic violence • Asserting the fact that Black Lives Matter, all Black lives, regardless of actual or perceived sexual identity, gender identity, gender expression, economic status, ability, disability, religious beliefs or disbeliefs, immigration status or location • Ensuring that the Black Lives Matter network is a Black women–affirming space free from sexism, misogyny, and male-centeredness • Practicing empathy and engaging comrades with the intent to learn about and connect with their contexts • Fostering a Trans- and Queer-affirming network. And when we gather, we do so with the intention of freeing ourselves from the tight grip of heteronormative thinking or, rather, the belief that all in the world are heterosexual unless s/he or they disclose otherwise. • Fostering an intergenerational and communal network free from ageism. We believe that all people, regardless of age, show up with the capacity to lead an...