In a recent ruling by a California court, a lawsuit seeking $10 million in damages against the national Black Lives Matter movement and its leader was dismissed.
Last year, Melina Abdullah and her dissident civil rights group, BLM Grassroots, filed a lawsuit against Shalomyah Bowers, alleging that his consulting company had unlawfully profited from millions of dollars’ worth of business on behalf of the national Black Lives Matter Global Network Foundation (BLMGNF). The case represented the interests of the Black Lives Matter Global Network Foundation (BLMGNF).
However, Judge Stephanie Bowick of the Los Angeles County Superior Court declared on Thursday that Abdullah’s group, consisting of two dozen BLM chapters nationwide, failed to provide sufficient evidence to support their claims. Consequently, their request for $10 million from BLMGNF was denied. The court proceedings took place in the Los Angeles County Superior Court.
According to federal records, despite receiving approximately $90 million in donations over recent years, the struggling national nonprofit organization reported a $9 million deficit in 2022.
Responding to the court’s decision, BLMGNF attorney Byron McLain dismissed the lawsuit as “frivolous” and stated that the judge had determined that Abdullah and BLM Grassroots did not establish their entitlement to any donated funds.
Bowers’ legal team argued that Abdullah’s allegations were an attempt to seize power and tarnish their client’s reputation. They maintained that Abdullah’s claims were directed at Bowers.
A statement issued by Bowers’ attorneys to The Post condemned Abdullah and her colleagues for spending over a year defaming Bowers in an misguided attempt to gain control of a prominent charitable organization supporting black empowerment.
Abdullah, previously a member of BLMGNF and currently an activist based in Los Angeles, had already established her own 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization before filing the lawsuit against the parent organization.
The latest financial records of BLMGNF indicate that Bowers’ national BLM group generated $1.69 million in revenue last year through “management and consulting services.” Additionally, it was disclosed that the organization invested over $14 million in real estate properties in Los Angeles and Toronto.
Expressing shock and disappointment, Abdullah announced her intention to challenge the court’s verdict. She claimed that her nonprofit organization represents numerous BLM chapters across the country.
The departure of BLMGNF co-founder Patrisse Cullors, who left the organization amid revelations of her multi-million dollar real estate purchases, led to internal discontent among board members. Bowers assumed the role of president. Cullors maintained that she acquired the homes in Los Angeles and Atlanta without financial assistance from philanthropic organizations.