Who are we?
Founded in 2016, Black Lives Matter Paterson is a Black youth led organization dedicated to transforming the city of Paterson to ensure safety and justice for all Black people.
At Black Lives Matter Paterson, we understand that Black humanity and dignity require the dismantling of oppressive systems and the creation of new pathways toward liberation. This work is not new. Black people have always been the driving force behind progress, courageously pushing this nation closer to its unfulfilled promises of freedom and equality.
We are a member-based, abolitionist organization centering those most at risk for state violence in Paterson and across New Jersey. We are guided by the Black Radical Tradition and the vision of a world where systems of white supremacy, capitalism, patriarchy, and colonialism are abolished. This is the foundation upon which we build a future of joy, healing, and liberation for Black communities.
Our vision is both expansive and urgent: an inclusive, self-sustaining, and politically self-determined Black community. Through grassroots organizing, political education, youth development, and coalition building, we work to elevate the voices and leadership of those most marginalized. Black Lives Matter Paterson is a part of the larger Movement for Black Lives, and we remain steadfast in our commitment to transforming our collective vision into a living, breathing reality.
Contact
➤ LOCATION
245 Broadway
Paterson, NJ 07504
☎ CONTACT
blm@blmpaterson.org
(732)590-6066
Our Work
Mutual aid
Mutual aid, not charity, embodies the belief that everyone should have access to resources and support without barriers. No one should have to prove their worth to get help because, as human beings, we all need support. Through our mutual aid initiatives we provide food, clothes, and other necessities to community members.
campaigns & coalitions
Our campaigns are structured, goal-oriented efforts aimed at addressing specific issues of racial injustice and achieving measurable outcomes. Strategic alliances are formed with other groups and organizations that share common objectives, working together to amplify their collective impact and support broader social justice initiatives. Both campaigns and coalitions are essential for mobilizing resources, influencing change, and fostering community engagement.
harm reduction
Harm reduction is not enabling. It meets marginalized people where they are, gives folks who use substances touch point w/ healthcare system, reduces costs (from HIV, Hep C, OD) & leads to referrals to treatment when they are ready. Our Harm Reduction Center and mobile unit provides resources, care and support to neglected populations.
Youth council
The Black Lives Matter Youth Council is dedicated to empowering Black youth in Paterson through leadership development, civic engagement, and social activism. By providing young people with the tools, mentorship, and support they need, the council equips them to thrive and become powerful agents of change in their communities. Our mission is to cultivate a pipeline of Black youth leaders who are deeply committed to justice, self-improvement, and building a more equitable society. By centering the voices and experiences of Black youth, we aim to inspire a generation ready to transform their communities and the world.
rapid repsonse
Rapid response aims to provide swift and effective support to those impacted by racial injustice, ensuring that their needs are met and their voices are amplified. This could involve mobilizing community members, providing legal and financial support to affected individuals, spreading awareness through social media and public protests, to demand accountability.
Justice & healing
The Black Lives Matter Paterson Justice and Healing Hub is a dedicated space for fostering community resilience and equity through healing-centered interventions, mentorship, and extracurricular activities for youth and families. We provide community members impacted by violence and systemic oppression with the tools to heal, grow, and thrive while offering mentorship and guidance to build pathways toward personal and collective empowerment. Our programs include leadership development, creative arts, and civic engagement, nurturing a generation of changemakers committed to justice and equity. By centering racial healing and trauma-informed care, we aim to inspire hope and build a foundation for preventing future harm.
“We who believe in freedom cannot rest until it comes.”