A recent protest led by Nekima Levy Armstrong at a Christian church in St. Paul, Minnesota, has drawn significant attention. Armstrong, a self-described civil rights lawyer and advocate, organized a demonstration against U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). The protest saw a large group of participants entering Cities Church, chanting against ICE as they streamed through the doors. Armstrong previously claimed that a pastor associated with the church had ties to ICE, further escalating tensions.
Armstrong’s background adds an intriguing layer to her activism. Once a law professor, she has embraced the role of a full-time activist. Her social media presence reveals a commitment to progressive values and a willingness to confront institutions she views as oppressive. She has been vocal about her opposition to companies like Target, leading boycotts over their perceived retreat from diversity efforts. In a recent opinion article, Armstrong criticized Target for aligning itself with what she sees as forces undermining democracy and racial advancement.
Aside from her activism against corporate entities, Armstrong’s endorsement of Assata Shakur raises eyebrows. Shakur was convicted in the 1970s for the murder of New Jersey State Trooper Werner Foerster during a violent confrontation. Her life took a notorious turn when she escaped from prison and eventually fled to Cuba. The FBI has classified her as a fugitive and, later, as a domestic terrorist. For Armstrong to label Shakur as “a brave, wise, powerful, and revolutionary Black woman” indicates a profound alignment with the controversial aspects of Shakur’s legacy. This praise came amidst a backdrop of Armstrong advocating for Shakur’s memory to endure through chants at protests.
Armstrong emphasized the significance of Shakur’s contributions to the struggle for racial justice, posting, “We will continue to recite the Assata Shakur chant at the end of protests and demonstrations in her memory.” This statement encapsulates her mission to draw parallels between past and present struggles against systemic oppression, regardless of the violent history associated with Shakur’s actions.
Overall, the intersection of Armstrong’s activism and her admiration for figures like Shakur paints a picture of a committed but contentious movement. The incidents at Cities Church highlight a growing trend among activists who are unafraid to challenge traditional establishments, even sacred ones, in their pursuit of social justice. Armstrong’s approach raises essential questions about the boundaries of protest and the philosophies driving contemporary activism.
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