Black Lives Matter DC (BLM DC) is a radical group affiliated with the nationwide Black Lives Matter movement. It seeks to dismantle what it sees to be white supremacy, patriarchy, capitalism, and imperialism in the United States by organizing direct actions, including occupations, highway shutdowns, disruptions, blockades, accountability campaigns, and “Weeks of Action.” ¹

Along with the Metro DC Democratic Socialists of America, BLM DC is associated with the Shut Down DC movement that blocked dozens of major intersections in Washington, D.C. on September 23, 2019 to call attention to climate change. ² BLM DC claims that the effects of climate change will worsen issues already faced by black communities, including gentrification, poor living conditions, and lack of access to health care. ³

BLM DC is also one of more than 20 extreme left groups that make up All Out D.C., the main organizer of the “Stop the Alt-Right” rally that took place in Washington D.C. on July 6, 2019, protesting the “Demand Free Speech Freedom Rally.” ⁴

People

Co-founder Aaron Goggans is an organizer and activist, and has worked with the Latino Economic Development Center (LEDC), the Coalition for Nonprofit Housing and Economic Development (CNHED), and the Employment Justice Center. He has also been involved with Bread For The City, the Washington Peace Center, and the Fair Budget Coalition. ⁵

1. “Black Lives Matter DC.” Black Lives Matter DMV. Accessed September 30, 2019. http://www.blacklivesmatterdmv.org/
2. “Dozens arrested as climate activists block traffic throughout Washington, D.C.” CBS News. September 23, 2019. Accessed September 30, 2019. https://www.cbsnews.com/news/climate-change-strike-today-washington-dc-protestors-united-nations-summit-global-2019-09-23-live-updates/
3. Moyer, Justin Wm., Tan, Rebecca, and Hedgpeth, Dana. “32 Arrested as ‘Climate Rebels’ Shut Down Intersections Across the District.” The Washington Post. September 23, 2019. Accessed September 30, 2019. https://www.washingtonpost.com/local/climate-change-protesters-plan-to-flood-downtown-dc-streets-monday-morning/2019/09/20/6b088e94-dbd9-11e9-89d4-37d5ffcac6f4_story.html
4. Kurzius, Rachel. “Far-Right Groups, Including the Proud Boys, are Rallying in D.C. This Weekend.” dcist.com. July 3, 2019. Accessed September 30, 2019. https://dcist.com/story/19/07/03/far-right-groups-including-the-proud-boys-are-rallying-in-d-c-this-weekend/
5. “Aaron Goggans.” RoadMap Consulting. Accessed October 2, 2019. https://roadmapconsulting.org/consultants/aaron-goggans/.