Black Lives Matter could be getting financial support, as some liberal donors will meet with the grassroots movement's leaders to discuss possible funding, according to Politico.
The movement has been active since 2012 after the shooting death of Trayvon Martin. Black Lives Matter also protested the deaths of other African-Americans at the hands of police officers. The group is trying to pass prison reform legislation in Texas stemming from the death of Sandra Bland in police custody, according to the Texas Tribune.
The group's message about the need to end police brutality has had an effect on the Democratic presidential candidates.
"Black lives matter," said Bernie Sanders, according to USA Today. "We need to combat institutional racism from top to bottom, and we need major, major reforms in a broken criminal justice system."
As a result, Black Lives Matter activists will meet with Democracy Alliance, a group funded by billionaire George Soros. Democracy Alliance member Leah Hunt-Hendrix has supported Black Lives Matter by donating $200,000 to the cause. She said Black Lives Matter has been a vital part of pushing the Democratic party to address issues facing African-Americans.
"Black Lives Matter has been pushing Bernie, and Bernie has been pushing Hillary. Politics is a field where you almost have to push your allies hardest and hold them accountable," said Hunt-Hendrix, according to Politico. "That's exactly the point of democracy."
While Black Lives Matter has supporters in Democracy Alliance, some donors might be reluctant to support a movement that uses confrontational tactics. "Tactics such as shutting down freeways and disrupting rallies can alienate major donors, and if that's your primary source of support, then you're at risk of being blocked from doing what you need to do," said Steve Phillips, a Democracy Alliance member.
Democracy Alliance member Nick Rathod hopes the alliance between politicians and the Black Lives Matter movement can be facilitated with his group's help. "We can play an important role in facilitating dialogue between elected officials and movement leaders in cities and states,'' said Rathod, according to Politico.
