Former President Donald Trump garnered applause at a Cedar Rapids rally on Saturday, December 2, as he boasted of an endorsement he asserted came from a figure affiliated with the Black Lives Matter (BLM) movement.
The controversial endorsement by Mark Fisher, self-described as a “representative of Black Lives Matter,” ignited a firestorm within the decentralized BLM movement. Fisher’s proclamation of support was notably featured on Fox & Friends earlier in the week, where he lauded Trump for what he perceived as the former president’s positive impact on the Black community.
Fisher went on record stating that Trump had accomplished “more for the Black community than any president” during his lifetime, simultaneously condemning the Democratic Party as “racist.”
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Despite the decentralized nature of the BLM movement, Fisher’s endorsement has stirred skepticism, prompting several national and state-level BLM organizations to distance themselves from him, deeming the endorsement a mere “publicity stunt.”
Black Lives Matter of Rhode Island, a prominent organization within the movement, explicitly stated that Fisher was “no longer associated” with their group. Adding complexity to his affiliations, Fisher is also the founder of an organization named “BLM Inc.” in Maryland.
Trump proudly showcased Fisher’s endorsement during his Iowa rally, emphasizing the activist’s praise for Trump’s achievements, particularly in the areas of opportunity zones, job creation, and funding for historically Black colleges and universities.
In response to Fisher’s claims and Trump’s announcement, BLM Rhode Island and the BLM Rhode Island Political Action Committee jointly issued a statement to The Providence Journal, denouncing Fisher as an “imposter.” They categorically characterized his endorsement as a “publicity stunt” orchestrated by the right-wing to create a false narrative of broad support for their candidates.
The statement clarified that Fisher was not a legitimate representative of the BLM movement, emphasizing the disapproval of both the founder of BLM Rhode Island and the BLM Rhode Island PAC.
As Trump continues his political endeavors, the controversy surrounding Fisher’s endorsement raises questions about the intersection of political affiliations and social movements. It underscores the challenges of accurately representing diverse voices within decentralized movements like Black Lives Matter.
