Soros Invests $650,000 in Black Lives Matter; Seeks Control in Shaping The Movement

Hackers obtained a report from Open Society Foundations that shows billionare investor and philanthropist George Soros invested $650,000 into the Black Lives Matters foundation.

Soros viewed the death of Freddie Gray and the unrest that followed in Boston as a “unique opportunity” to press some money into the fray and create “accountability” for the Baltimore police, according to the documents.

The following notes are taken from the hacked document:

In particular, recent events offer a unique opportunity to accelerate the dismantling of structural inequality generated and maintained by local law enforcement and to engage residents who have historically been disenfranchised in Baltimore City in shaping and monitoring reform. Building on our existing networks and programs, OSI-Baltimore will focus investments on: 1) creating a culture of accountability for policing in Baltimore, recognizing the pervasive racism, disrespect and lawlessness that gave rise to recent events; and 2) building the capacity of activists in Baltimore to demand and achieve immediate and long-term reforms.

Recognizing the need for strategic assistance, the U.S. Programs Board approved $650,000 in Opportunities Fund support to invest in technical assistance and support for the groups at the core of the burgeoning #BlackLivesMatter movement.

Hacked documents show the ongoing dialogue between Soros and his Open Society colleagues about whether they should manipulate the shape of the movement.

That support calls into question how we might most appropriately support such efforts; specifically whether we should seek to shape the movement as opposed to facilitate its direct action. How do we confront the reality that such movements frequently flail as they attempt to grow and confront the challenges of institutionalizing themselves sufficiently to extend their reach? To what extent do we believe that we should play a role in helping such movement leaders connect with others that might help deepen policy recommendations or connections to sympathetic, but silent, inside actors? How can we help link such movements to existing grantees and other key actors that provide mutual  strengthening?

It seems Soros wants to take a more active role in the BLM movement, as opposed to a passive investment.  He has seen many a revolution fizzle out, their noise recede into the cold winter skies, and want to make sure the agenda keeps pressing onward.

The $650,000 investment is aligned well with the Mission of Open Society, which places a high priority on protecting and improving the lives of people in marginalized communities.  However, some view his backing of BLM as a promotion of chaos which helps keep the rungs of society below him scuffling while he retains power.

Investing in social movements is risky, but the payout is influence.  Soros may be attempting to sway the outcome of the 2016 presidential election with $650,000 and a bit of backroom activism.

TBD

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