Black Muslim Leadership Council
Black Muslim Leadership Council (BMLC) is an American 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to policy advocacy, voter turnout, civic education, and leadership development. It is focused largely on the needs[1] of the Black American Muslim community.
History
editBMLC was founded in 2024 by Salima Suswell,[2] an American political activist and community mobilizer[3].
Programs
editBMLC's programs fall into four categories: Policy Advocacy; Voter Turnout; Civic Education; and Leadership Development.[2]
In coordination with its 501(c)(4) wing, Black Muslim Leadership Council Fund, BMLC advocates for policies that address specific discrimination and oppression.[4]
Areas of focus include economic equity, public safety and gun violence, mental health, Black maternal health, social and criminal justice, environmental justice, affordable housing, reparations, voting rights, and a ceasefire[5] in Gaza[6], safe return of all hostages, and resumption of humanitarian aid.[7]
BMLC voter turnout efforts include voter registration drives, door-knocking, phone banking, hosting get-out-the-vote events[8], and distributing resources about voting rights.
Since its founding in 2024[9], BMLC has been led by Founder and CEO Salima Suswell.
Black Muslim Leadership Council Fund
editBlack Muslim Leadership Council Fund (BMLC Fund) is the advocacy wing of Black Muslim Leadership Council (BMLC).
BMLC Fund is an American 501(c)(4) organization that advocates for urban communities on issue areas including social and criminal justice, environmental justice, affordable housing, and economic equity. It also endorses candidates that support the Black American Muslim community.
History
editBMLC Fund was founded in 2024[10] by Salima Suswell, an American political activist and community mobilizer.[3]
Programs
editPolicy Advocacy
editIn coordination with BMLC, BMLC Fund advocates for policies that address discrimination and oppression.
Areas of focus include economic equity, public safety and gun violence, mental health, Black maternal health, social and criminal justice, environmental justice, affordable housing, reparations, voting rights, and a ceasefire[5] in Gaza[6], safe return of all hostages, and resumption of humanitarian aid.[7]
BMLC Fund maintains a Policy Agenda, which details policy efforts that support the unification and empowerment of the Black American Muslim community, as well as a Foreign Policy Agenda, which details BMLC Fund's commitment to the inherent dignity of all people and affirms global equal and inalienable rights.
Endorsements
editBMLC Fund endorses candidates who uphold the values of the Black American Muslim community, which includes standing up against systemic discrimination and efforts to build a more just, equitable future.[11]
The endorsement process includes candidate questionnaires, candidate interviews, and candidate forums.
In August 2024, BMLC Fund announced its endorsement[12] of Vice President Kamala Harris for president of the United States.
Leadership
editSince its founding in 2024, BMLC Fund has been led by Founder and CEO Salima Suswell.[7]
BMLC Fund is overseen by a Board. BMLC Fund's work is strategically guided by the Black Muslim Leadership Political Roundtable, which was first convened in December 2023 by Suswell. The Roundtable meets monthly.
References
edit- ^ "Group representing Black Muslims wants to be heard nationally". WHYY. March 8, 2024. Retrieved September 30, 2024.
- ^ a b "Newly formed Black Muslim Leadership Council announces 2024 GOTV and accountability strategies". The Philadelphia Sunday Sun (Press release). March 3, 2024. Retrieved September 30, 2024.
- ^ a b Clay-Murray, Denise (March 30, 2024). "A woman born to lead". The Philadelphia Sunday Sun. Retrieved September 30, 2024.
- ^ "Insight Pt. 2: Black Muslim Leadership Council, Institute for Community Justice, Eagle's Jason Kelce - Philadelphia Community Podcast". iHeart. Retrieved 2024-09-30.
- ^ a b "Harris shows 'more sympathy' for Gaza than Biden and Trump, says black Muslim leader". The Jerusalem Post | JPost.com. 2024-08-12. Retrieved 2024-09-30.
- ^ a b "New Black Muslim group wants to put pressure on Biden — but not abandon him". NBC News. 2024-03-01. Retrieved 2024-09-30.
- ^ a b c aliyafaust (2024-07-01). "Black Muslim Leadership Council Hopes To Empower Black Muslims To Take Political Action". Elev8. Retrieved 2024-09-30.
- ^ Rasheed, Akanke (2024-07-28). "MANA and BMLC Join Forces Again for a Second Community Town Hall Event on the 2024 Election - MANA". manajustice.org. Retrieved 2024-09-30.
- ^ WRITER, Kiara Santos TRIBUNE STAFF (2024-03-08). "Nation's first council for Black Muslims launches in Philadelphia". The Philadelphia Tribune. Retrieved 2024-09-30.
- ^ "The BMLC wants to highlight the needs of Black Muslims". WHYY. Retrieved 2024-09-30.
- ^ Salam, Erum (2024-08-02). "Key Black Muslim group backs Kamala Harris for president over Gaza stance". The Guardian. ISSN 0261-3077. Retrieved 2024-09-30.
- ^ "Black Muslim group endorses Harris after its 'uncommitted' stance on Biden". NBC News. 2024-08-02. Retrieved 2024-09-30.