Patrisse Cullors has been at the forefront of the world stage for over a decade, dedicating her life to advocating for racial equality and social justice. Through her leadership, she has helped bring attention to the disproportionate violence and discrimination experienced by people of color, sparking a global conversation about racial injustice. Her efforts have also inspired countless individuals to join the movement, fostering a sense of unity and empowerment among marginalized communities.
As part of the culminating activities before graduating this week, the inaugural cohort of the Debra Lee Women’s Organizing Fellowship had the opportunity to engage in an intimate salon with Patrisse Cullors, co-founder of the Black Lives Matter Movement.
From top left: The Debra Lee Women’s Organizing Fellows eagerly await the discussion. (Top rght and bottom left), CoCo Executive Vice President Aurea Montes-Rodriguez opens the program. (Bottom left) CoCo Board Vice-Chair Mary Lee, who facilitated the conversation, expressed her joy along with author, artist, and organizer Patrisse Cullors.
Cullors has just completed a new book, An Abolitionist’s Handbook: 12 Steps to Changing Yourself and the World. While the book is a how-to on Black liberation, it is also a self-help book on the “economy of care.” An activist with over 20 years of community organizing experience, Patrisse encouraged the Debra Lee Fellows to take breaks and encourage others they work with to do the same. She also discussed the importance of courageous conversations among movement members, friends, and family. Most importantly, she reminded the group to prioritize care for themselves—however that looks for each individual.
“If we create the economy of care, that means we individually, and in our interpersonal relationships, are caring for each other,” said Cullors.
Patrisse’s activism extends beyond her role as a co-founder of the Black Lives Matter movement. She has become a symbol of resilience and determination, inspiring future generations of activists to continue the fight for racial justice. One of the critical aspects of her work is her commitment to intersectionality and inclusivity within the movement. She has consistently emphasized the importance of recognizing and addressing the overlapping forms of oppression marginalized communities face, including those based on race, gender, sexuality, and class. By centering the experiences of Black women, Cullors has helped create a more inclusive and comprehensive movement that strives for justice for all.
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