BLM Organizer Found Guilty of Fraud – Funds Misused for Personal Luxuries
Black Lives Matter Organizer Convicted of Fraud – Thousands Used for Expensive Personal Items and Services
A Black Lives Matter activist in the United Kingdom has been found guilty of fraud after misusing nearly $40,000 in charitable donations for personal expenses such as hair appointments, take-out food, and more.
Xahra Saleem, 23, formerly known as Yvonne Maina, has been sentenced to 2 1/2 years in prison, according to the BBC.
Saleem played a role in establishing a GoFundMe page to raise funds for Changing Your Mindset, a charity aimed at helping disadvantaged youth, as reported by The Guardian.
The intention was to use the funds for weekly support sessions and an educational trip to Africa, according to the report.
In addition to being a director of the charity, Saleem was involved in organizing a Black Lives Matter protest in Bristol, England, in June 2020, which gained significant attention when the statue of 17th-century slave trader Edward Colston was toppled and thrown into Bristol Harbour in solidarity with the death of George Floyd in the United States.
Prior to the protest, Saleem set up a fundraising page to purchase personal protective equipment (PPE) for the march, which took place during the Covid-19 pandemic, as stated by the BBC.
Following the global media coverage of the statue’s removal, over 500 donations poured in. However, instead of using the money for its intended purpose, Saleem succumbed to temptation and diverted the funds into her personal bank accounts.
She used the money for various personal expenses, including rent, an iPhone, an iMac, Amazon purchases, take-out food, hair appointments, and over $7,000 on Uber rides.
The BBC reported that Saleem discussed the fraud with a friend over WhatsApp, admitting to her wrongdoing and drafting apology messages.
Xahra Saleem helped organise the toppling of Edward Colston’s statue in Bristol. She went on to defraud the public of £30,000 in donations for her BLM cause.
She spent the money on rent, ubers, hair & beauty appointments.
Bristol Crown Court jailed for two-and-a-half years. pic.twitter.com/5rJl6DPxSH
— David Atherton (@DaveAtherton20) October 31, 2023
At one point, Saleem claimed that Black Lives Matter had advised her not to transfer the money to the charity, as reported by The Guardian. However, she eventually admitted that the money was gone.
Saleem cited suffering from psychosis, which impaired her rational thinking, according to the BBC.
Judge Michael Longman stated that Saleem not only betrayed the donors and her fellow charity workers but also deprived the young people who would have benefited from Black Lives Matter’s work.
In a victim impact statement, Rebecca Scott, an associate who assisted Saleem in organizing the BLM protest in Bristol, expressed the hurt and disappointment felt by herself and others involved, as reported by The Guardian.
Scott mentioned that the amount raised was overwhelming and represented an opportunity to make a real impact. However, the incident made the directors feel complicit, leading to the decision to close Changing Your Mindset.
Tragically, one of the young people the charity had been assisting passed away, causing another director to speculate on the potential of saving that individual’s life.
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The post Black Lives Matter Organizer Convicted of Fraud – Thousands Used for Expensive Personal Items and Services appeared first on The Western Journal.
What measures should activist groups implement to vet individuals claiming to be organizers or leaders within a movement to prevent incidents like Xahra Saleem’s fraud in the future
Betrayed and undermined their efforts to create positive change. Scott emphasized the importance of trust and transparency in charitable organizations, and how Saleem’s actions have damaged the reputation of the Black Lives Matter movement.
The case of Xahra Saleem highlights the need for accountability and ethical practices within activist movements. While it is important to fight for social justice and equality, it should not come at the expense of integrity and trustworthiness. Saleem’s actions not only harm the individuals who donated to the cause but also tarnish the reputation of legitimate activists who are working tirelessly to bring about meaningful change.
This incident serves as a reminder to donors that research and due diligence are crucial when deciding where to allocate their funds. It is essential to ensure that donations go to reputable organizations with a clear mission statement and transparent financial practices. Online platforms such as GoFundMe can be powerful tools for grassroots activism, but they also provide opportunities for fraudsters to take advantage of the generosity of others.
Furthermore, this case raises questions about the process of vetting individuals who claim to be organizers or leaders within a movement. Activist groups need to establish mechanisms to verify the credentials and integrity of those who represent them, to avoid incidents like this in the future. Transparent structures and accountability measures can help ensure that the focus remains on the cause and the individuals it aims to support.
It is also crucial for the wider public to understand that the actions of one individual do not represent an entire movement. Black Lives Matter, like any other social justice movement, is comprised of diverse individuals working towards a common goal. The actions of Xahra Saleem should not undermine the significance and importance of the movement itself.
In conclusion, the conviction of Xahra Saleem for fraud serves as a sobering reminder of the risks associated with charitable donations and the need for accountability within activist movements. It is essential for donors to conduct thorough research and exercise caution when contributing to causes, while organizations must implement robust systems to vet individuals who claim to represent them. The impact of this incident goes beyond the financial losses; it damages the trust and credibility of those working towards positive change.
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