Charlene Carruthers Is the Queer Black Feminist Leading the Movement
February 12, 2019Last July, I witnessed Charlene Carruthers, drenched in sweat and filled with anguish, command the attention of a large crowd in response to the fatal police shooting of 37-year-old Harith Augustus, a Black Chicagoan. I saw the faces of so many activists — including attendees from that year’s Black Youth Project 100 convening — watching her as she chronicled the latest updates from Augustus’ family and friends. With determined eyes, a bullhorn, and an electrifying voice, she invited those who knew the slain man to share about who he was and why they loved him. After hours of rallying and gathering resources for protesters (like ice, milk, and first aid), it felt as if we all breathed a collective sigh of relief. She calmed us while spurring a fire in our hearts.
This was Charlene in action, demonstrating true, remarkable leadership in one of her last months as BYP100’s first National Director. After assuming the role in November 2013, she laid the foundation for the member-based organization to become a queer, feminist political home for young Black activists. She inspired robust dialogue on eschewing the patriarchy and rigorous praxis of accountability. And within its first five years under her leadership, BYP100’s membership (and leadership) swelled, resulting in eight chapters throughout the United States.