Who is Patrisse Cullors?

Early Life and Activism

Patrisse Cullors, born in Los Angeles, California, in 1983, became an activist at a young age. Growing up in a low-income neighborhood, she witnessed firsthand the impact of policing on her community.

These early experiences, including seeing her siblings face police brutality, fueled her passion for social justice. She joined the Bus Riders Union as a teenager, beginning her lifelong journey in community organizing.

Co-founding Black Lives Matter

In 2013, following the acquittal of George Zimmerman in the shooting death of Trayvon Martin, Cullors, along with Alicia Garza and Opal Tometi, created the Black Lives Matter hashtag. This sparked a global movement against racial injustice.

Cullors became one of the most prominent faces of the movement, guiding its growth into a global network of chapters. She served as the executive director of the Black Lives Matter Global Network Foundation (BLMGNF).

What is Patrisse Cullors’ Net Worth?

Estimated Wealth

Estimates of Patrisse Cullors’ net worth vary, with figures ranging from $2 million to $5 million. These estimations are based on her various income streams and public financial disclosures.

The topic of her wealth has become a point of public interest and debate, especially in the context of her activism and the finances of the Black Lives Matter organization.

Sources of Income

Cullors’ income is not derived from her work with the Black Lives Matter organization. Instead, her wealth is the result of a multi-faceted career spanning various fields.

These include book deals, television production agreements, academic positions, and public speaking engagements. This diversification of her professional life has contributed to her financial standing.

Building Wealth: A Multi-faceted Career

Bestselling Author

A significant portion of Cullors’ income comes from her work as an author. Her 2018 memoir, “When They Call You a Terrorist: A Black Lives Matter Memoir,” was a bestseller.

She followed up with a second book, “An Abolitionist’s Handbook,” in 2022. These literary works have been both critically and commercially successful, adding to her earnings.

Television and Media Deals

In 2020, Cullors signed an overall deal with Warner Bros. Television Group to develop and produce original content. This move into television production marked a new chapter in her career.

She also has a YouTube deal, further expanding her presence in the media landscape. These ventures have provided her with substantial financial opportunities outside of her activism.

Academic and Speaking Engagements

Cullors has also held academic positions at institutions like Prescott College and Otis College of Art and Design. She is a sought-after public speaker, sharing her experiences and insights on social justice.

These roles as an educator and speaker have not only contributed to her income but also provided platforms to further her message and advocacy work.

The Real Estate Portfolio

A Controversial Buying Binge

Reports emerged in 2021 that Cullors had purchased four homes for a total of $3.2 million. This news sparked controversy and criticism from various quarters.

The acquisitions led to questions about her lifestyle and the source of her funds, with some critics suggesting a conflict with her image as a social justice activist.

Properties in California and Georgia

The properties are located in California and Georgia, including a home in a secluded area of Los Angeles. Cullors has maintained that these purchases were made with her personal income.

She has stated that the properties were intended to provide housing for her family and to create spaces for creative and community work.

Black Lives Matter Foundation’s Finances

The $6 Million Mansion

The Black Lives Matter Global Network Foundation faced its own scrutiny over the purchase of a $6 million property in Southern California. The transaction was made with funds donated to the organization.

The foundation stated that the property was intended to serve as a meeting space and a safe house for activists. However, the purchase raised questions about financial transparency.

Scrutiny Over Spending

Tax filings from the foundation revealed further details about its spending, including payments to companies run by Cullors’ family members. Her brother received over $800,000 for security services.

A company owned by the father of her child was paid nearly $1 million for event production. These revelations intensified the debate over the foundation’s financial management.

Controversy and Resignation

Allegations and Denials

Cullors has consistently denied any wrongdoing or misuse of foundation funds. She has described the criticism as a targeted campaign to discredit her and the Black Lives Matter movement.

In a public statement, she clarified that her personal finances are separate from the organization’s funds and that she has never personally benefited from donations.

Stepping Down from BLMGNF

In May 2021, amid the growing controversy, Patrisse Cullors resigned as the executive director of the Black Lives Matter Global Network Foundation.

She stated that her departure had been planned for over a year and was not a result of the allegations. She expressed a desire to focus on her personal projects, including her book and television deal.

The Legacy of a Movement and a Leader

The story of Patrisse Cullors’ net worth is a complex one, intertwined with the growth of a global movement and the challenges of navigating public scrutiny. Her journey highlights the ongoing conversation about wealth, activism, and accountability.

As the Black Lives Matter movement continues to evolve, so too will the legacy of its co-founders. The questions surrounding finances and leadership remain a part of that unfolding story.