Born: 1983 (Los Angeles, California)
Biography:
Patrisse Marie Khan-Cullors Brignac (née Cullors-Brignac; born June 20, 1983) is an American activist, co-founder of the Black Lives Matter movement, artist, and writer. As a prominent figure in the fight against racial injustice, Cullors has dedicated her life to advocating for marginalized communities and creating social change.
Born and raised in Los Angeles, California, Cullors experienced firsthand the systemic inequalities that plague marginalized communities. Her mother, Cherice Foley, raised her and her siblings in a Section 8 apartment in Van Nuys, a poor and largely Mexican-American neighborhood in the San Fernando Valley. Cullors’ step-father, Alton Cullors, worked low-paying jobs after the closure of the General Motors plant where he had previously been employed. Despite the challenges they faced, Cullors’ family created a nurturing environment, instilling in her a strong sense of community and resilience.
Cullors’ upbringing exposed her to the deep-rooted issues of racial discrimination and police brutality at a young age. At just nine years old, she witnessed her 11 and 13-year-old brothers being needlessly slammed into a wall by police officers. This traumatic incident left a lasting impact on Cullors and ignited her passion for fighting against social injustice.
Struggling academically, Cullors attended Van Nuys Middle School, a school predominantly consisting of working-class families and non-white students. She faced further challenges when she transitioned to Millikan Middle School, an affluent predominantly white school for gifted children in Sherman Oaks. It was during this time that Cullors was arrested at the age of 12 for smoking marijuana, an experience that heightened her awareness of the disparities within the criminal justice system.
Cullors’ journey as an activist began to take shape during her teenage years. Witnessing the mistreatment of her brother Monte, who was diagnosed with schizoaffective disorder and bipolar disorder, while incarcerated deeply impacted her. Monte’s unjust treatment, including being choked, beaten, and forced to drink toilet water by prison officers, solidified Cullors’ commitment to fighting for the rights of those within the criminal justice system.
After completing her education, Cullors dedicated herself to activism. In 2013, she co-founded the Black Lives Matter movement alongside Alicia Garza and Opal Tometi, in response to the acquittal of Trayvon Martin’s murderer. Cullors played a crucial role in creating the iconic #BlackLivesMatter hashtag, which served as a rallying cry for millions of people worldwide. The movement became a catalyst for addressing police violence against Black individuals and systemic racism within the United States.
Beyond her involvement in the Black Lives Matter movement, Cullors has been an advocate for LGBTQ rights and prison abolition in Los Angeles. Integrating ideas from critical theory and drawing inspiration from social movements around the world, she has continually sought to challenge the oppressive systems that persist in society.
Cullors’ activism extends beyond traditional methods. She is also an accomplished artist and writer, using her creative talents to convey powerful messages and promote change. Cullors has written two books, including When They Call You a Terrorist: A Black Lives Matter Memoir, which reflects on her experiences as an activist and sheds light on the realities faced by Black communities.
As a prominent figure in women’s history, Patrisse Cullors has made significant contributions to advancing the rights and well-being of marginalized communities. Her unwavering dedication to fighting for justice and her powerful advocacy have inspired countless individuals to take action and work towards a more equitable society.
Awards:
– 2015: Harvard Foundation’s Peter J. Gomes Humanitarian Award
– 2020: Sydney Peace Prize
(Note: The awards listed are accurate as of the cut-off date and may not include any recent accolades.)