Where We’ve Been
Since our founding in 2020, to move the baton of movement work forward, we aim to not only educate on how Black bodies are affected by institutional and structural oppression but also offer deliberate solutions to movement leaders who are working to dismantle such systems. Here’s a rundown of our work and the projects we’ve supported:
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New York State Breathe Act Advocacy
Through the Black Freedom Project, NNLB in partnership with other Black-led organizations distributed a community survey to Black residents in Albany County on the increased investment in policing and how it affects the Black community. The survey exists to help inform a Statewide campaign to pass the Breathe Act in New York State and strengthen Black organizing capacity throughout New York.
Statewide Organizing Events
We organized across New York State building community and leading community-based direct actions.
Say Her Name Rally (2020):
Over 7000 community members joined together to focus on intentionally centering and amplifying Black women, Femmes, TGNC, Queer, and Non-Bingary people within the #BlackLivesMatter movement. NNLB lead this effort with other black lives matter groups in Albany NY.
A Day Without Black Womxn (2020):
Black womxn and their accomplices displayed their collective power. Marking A Day Without Black Womxn. WE centered Black womxn as essential people to our economy and our equality. This action was a national campaign i which we served as lead organizers for the New York City Area.
Daniel Prude Protest (2020):
Rochester activists took to the streets in response to the death of an unarmed Black man at the hands of Rochester police. This causes a large Black Lives Matter movement to arise in the city. NNLB served as consultants and mentors to aid in the organizing around demands later to be called the Daniel Prude Law. NNLB also mobilized organizers and medics from across the state to support with the week long direct actions.
Statewide and National Campaign Support
We have helped to elevate campaigns in New York State and beyond that work to improve the status of Black lives and advance social justice. We contribute to these efforts in several ways by uplifting digital messages, serving on the ground, and providing analyst support to policies directly shaping our communities.
Clean Slate (2022):
Speaking with legislators in Albany, NY, on the fight to end perpetual punishment and educating on how 2.3 million New Yorkers are shackled by their convictions.
Outcome: On June 1, 2022, the New York State Senate passed Clean Slate legislation that will automate the record sealing process for certain offenses, allowing more New Yorkers to earn a living, support themselves and their families, and positively contribute to their communities.
Clifton Park Target Nationwide Community Action (2022):
Providing educational content to help the community understand the attack on a Black Neurodivergent child at a Target store in Clifton Park.
Black August (2021):
Providing educational content on the importance of Black August and serving as part of the New York Statewide Day of Action seeks to prioritize and promote Abolition and alternatives to policing over hollow and ineffective police reforms.