Five Years in a Movement, Hundreds of Years in the Making

Introduction

• Break Away:
  • Organization dedicated to community engagement and social justice.
  • Currently in the process of closing operations.
  • All memberships canceled as of November 1, 2024.

Keynote by Patrisse Khan-Cullors

• Co-founder of the Black Lives Matter movement.
• Author of "When They Call You a Terrorist".
• Delivered a lecture at The Carter Center.

Key Themes from Patrisse Khan-Cullors' Lecture

On a Movement

• Movements are felt, not just declared.
• Success is not linear; includes both wins and setbacks.
• Impact should not be judged solely by progress.
• Movements like Black Lives Matter raise awareness of long-standing issues.

On Being a Disruptor

• Disruption is essential for justice—means questioning norms and systems.
• Example: Disproportionate incarceration rates of Black and Brown people.
• Encourages courageous conversations that lead to awareness and change.

On Prioritizing People

• Importance of mentoring and supporting each other.
• Personal success often depends on early mentorship and support.
• Storytelling as a powerful tool for uniting people around a vision.
• Critical reminder: Consider what we do for our team and community daily.

Closure of Break Away

Announcement

• Break Away Board of Directors announced closure in June 2024.
• Closure rooted in organizational values and sustainability.
• Celebrating accomplishments while planning for future influence.

Transition Process

• Virtual town hall held on June 17, 2024, to communicate closure.
• Staff concluded their tenure on August 5, 2024.
• Digital educational resources offered to members until September 23, 2024.

Final Phase of Closure

• Legal closure, collaboration with former staff, and resource sharing are priorities.
• Exploring partnerships with educational institutions for material preservation.
• Encouraging interested organizations to express interest by December 16, 2024.

Legacy and Future Commitment

• Commitment to preserving Break Away’s legacy in meaningful ways.
• Encourages the continuation of justice, transformation, and solidarity efforts through community programs.
• Expresses gratitude for support and partnership over the years.