Black Lives Matter Seattle-King County responds to protests

KING COUNTY, Wash. — The Black Lives Matter Seattle-King County chapter wants the community to know they have been misrepresented this past week.

Protesters are falsely claiming to be associated with this organization and the chapter is concerned it could impact the movement for change.

“We’re hurting, we’re frustrated and enraged just like you,” said Marlon Brown, BLM Seattle-King County board member.

In response to Seattle’s ongoing protests to demand justice for George Floyd, BLM Seattle-King County held a virtual press conference. The nonprofit wanted to express support for the protesters’ message but also clarify they have not been involved in or organized any demonstrations and in-person meetings because of the health risk during the coronavirus pandemic.

“The chapter was inundated with messages wanting to know what happened in the meeting,” said Sakara Remmu, emeritus chair of BLM Seattle-King County.

Several protesters have been falsely claiming to be part of BLM Seattle-King County. They even had meetings with city leaders. People have contacted the local chapter for answers, but the organization does not know these protesters or what happened in the meetings.

“Why the mayor represents she met with Black Lives Matter Seattle, given these facts, undermines any meetings or discussions that we have executed as a chapter,” said Ebony Miranda, chair of BLM Seattle-King County.

The nonprofit has created five immediate demands in response to the unrest. They hope to deliver this list to Seattle’s elected officials: rescind the motion to end the consent decree, end the citywide curfew, have police turn on body cams and display badge numbers, create a de-escalation team and decrease police funding to increase funding for health and social services. While the Seattle-King County chapter encourages the community to support the Black Lives Matter movement to fight racial injustice, they want the public to also know they’re not a protest driven organization.

“When this all fades away, there will still be a core group of people that are doing the work to make sure change is systemic and lasting,” said Remmu.

They understand why people are protesting, but want to remind the community it’s not the only way to create change.

“We encourage those who are most directly impacted by this fight to put your safety and health before anything else, this is a marathon not a sprint,” said Brown.

BLM Seattle-King County is also warning the community about making donations to organizations falsely claiming to be associated with them. If people want to support the local chapter they need to contact them directly at https://blacklivesseattle.org/.

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