RI BLM Battle: Allegations of Financial Misconduct Made By PAC Against Executive Director UPDATED
Wednesday, April 14, 2021
The Black Lives Matter Rhode Island Political Action Committee is alleging financial malfeasance by the Executive Director of the organization in the state.
The BLM RI PAC said that they would “no longer be collaborating” with Executive Director Brother Gary Dantzler, alleging the following:
* “[Dantzler] demanded to be consulted for our decisions, despite this being in clear violation of FEC and IRS rules on cooperation between PACs and nonprofits.
GET THE LATEST BREAKING NEWS HERE -- SIGN UP FOR GOLOCAL FREE DAILY EBLAST* “[Dantlzer] has not been transparent in his use of community and state-raised funds
* “[Dantlzer] has made anti-LGBTQ comments which undermine the movement
* “[Dantzler] has made direct political threats to our organization with no provocation.
“We have reached out to Gary to attempt to resolve these issues diplomatically, but Gary has been refused to come to the table,” the PAC continued. “We had hoped to keep our differences private so that we could focus on the community, but [Monday], Gary doubled down and scheduled an identical event at the State House at the same time as our protest for Daunte Wright.”
When reached for comment on Tuesday, Dantzler said the PAC had “fixed it.”
RI BLM PAC Executive Director Harrison Tuttle, however, said Tuesday night the organization “stood by its comments.”
In response, Dantzler said, “We urge them to be positive.”
BLM Responds
BLM RI responded to the allegations with the following statement Wednesday afternoon,
On Tuesday, Black Lives Matter Rhode Island (BLMRI) received word that the PAC had posted a statement to their social media regarding their ongoing collaboration with BLMRI. In this statement, they made a number of serious allegations against our Founder and Executive Director, Brother Gary Dantzler.
The following is our response:
* At no point did Brother Gary “demand to be consulted” rather he continued his
mentorship of the PAC leadership as he has done since their formation under his guidance by sharing his thoughts and expertise. Clearly this is not a violation of any FEC or IRS rules.
* Black Lives Matter Rhode Island has shared publicly our Back to Work RI partnership. Any insinuation that the organization has not been transparent is grossly irresponsible on behalf of the PAC.
* Black Lives Matter Rhode Island was founded by Brother Gary on a foundation of love and respect for all communities. While our focus is to uplift the African American community, our doors are open to all communities, To imply that Brother Gary is anti-LGBTQ is reckless and a clear example of what “undermining the movement “ looks like.
* At no time did Brother Gary make any “political threats”. Again this is another example of the PAC using reckless language that detracts our focus away from the mission. We will not be deterred away from our work today or any day going forward.
BLMRI planned our Daunte Wright protest at the same location and time as the PAC to show unity and strength in the community, To insinuate that Brother Gary would “disrupt the work of justice” shows that their motivation is misplaced and not focused on the mission. Brother Gary’s years of activism for the African American community proves his unwavering commitment to the BLM movement.
Latest BLM Controversy
Nationally, BLM Co-Founder Patrisse Cullors has come under fire.
“Black Lives Matter co-founder Patrisse Khan-Cullors is under fire for allegedly going on a real-estate buying binge where she purchased four high-end homes, with some being in wealthy predominately white neighborhoods,” reported Black Enterprise.
“Khan-Cullors real estate binge was put on blast on Wednesday, April 7, after the outlet Dirt revealed the $1.4 million Topanga Canyon compound the BLM activist recently purchased,” Black Enterprise continued. “The 2,370-square-foot property reportedly features “soaring ceilings, skylights and plenty of windows” and is just one of three homes Khan-Cullors owns in the Los Angeles area, public records show.”
Updated Wednesday April 14 4:41 PM
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