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One thing is for sure, two things are for certain: Spotifys Jemele Hill Is Unbothered isnt always what we expect, but its always a treat.

On the latest episode, the award-winning journalist chops it up with Black Lives Matter co-founder Alicia Garza, who dishes on her new book, The Purpose of Power: How We Come Together When We Fall Apart; her decision to distance herself from BLM and start her own organization, Black Futures Lab; and the tricky relationship between celebrity and activism.

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In addressing her decision to leave BLM, Garza noted that the sheer magnitude of the movement restricted her ability to exist freely while associated with it.

I didnt want to be the Black Lives Matter lady for the rest of my life, she says. To be honest, I have a lot of other talents. I have a lot of other skills. I have a lot more to offer and, you know, Im not Black Lives Matter. That is something that I helped to create, but I am like the smallest piece of it. And I just kept feeling like the longer Im here, the more it becomes about me and Patrisse and Opal and less about what it is that were trying to do out in the world.

Aside from her work with BLM, the 2020 The Root 100 honoree directs Special Projects for the National Domestic Workers Alliance and remains committed to empowering the Black community through the Black Futures Lab, which works with Black people to transform our communities, building Black political power and changing the way that power operates.

Garza also touched on the complications of doing this type of work while also juggling the increased popularity that often comes with it.

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Theres something that happens when a movement starts to become a brand, too. And I think this summer was the worst part of it, to be honest, she says. I couldnt turn on the television without seeing Black Lives Matter. Whether it was Netflix, Comcast, Real Housewives of Atlanta; it was just a lot, right? So I get it. And I also dont know how movements become effective if theyre not well-resourced. So thats the question for me.

She continued, I think theres also a dynamic here where so many families throughout this countrywho have had a loved one stolen from them through no fault of their own[...] are still dealing with the loss of a loved one. [Theyre] still fighting, and waiting, and pushing for justice. I can understand their frustration, too. Like, Why is my childs story not the thing that everyone is talking about? Why is it Black Lives Matter?

With Garza being acutely aware of how that delicate balance works, her insight and opinions on these matters hold tremendous weight. Hit up Spotify to check out the rest of this episode of Jemele Hill Is Unbothered, where Garza also shares her thoughts on respectability politics and if shed be open to one day running for public office.

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Alicia Garza Discusses Leaving Black Lives Matter, the Complications of Balancing Activism and Branding on Jemele Hill Is Unbothered - Yahoo Lifestyle