BLM Global Network Foundation Launches Campaign to Stop Militarization of Police

The Black Lives Matter Global Network Foundation announced on April 20, 2021 their launch of a campaign, urging President Biden to stop the militarization of police departments, and ban the transfer of vehicles and equipment made for war zones.

"This program is directly linked to our movement, and is in direct opposition to our righteous protest to liberate Black people," said Melina Abdullah, the Co-Director of Black Lives Matter-Grassroots. "We want to see the Biden administration sign an executive order by his 100th day that would place a moratorium on the transfer of military weapons and vehicles through the Department of Defense 1033 Program. Our streets are not a war zone, and our people are not enemies of war."

By abolishing the program, the White House can direct the Secretary of Defense to stop classifying military equipment as "suitable for use by the agencies in law enforcement activity." BLMGNF also wants Biden to recall military equipment currently in the hands of law enforcement agencies.