Out Black Lives Matter activist DeRay McKesson is running for Mayor of Baltimore, and he just got a major endorsement – and a large check – from social networking app Jack’d.
Our friends over at The G-List Society got all the info on the big announcement that brings together two seemingly unlikely allies.
Jack’d is owned by parent company Online Buddies, and their CEO Hector Camacho promised organizing support via Jack’d in addition to their $6,000 donation to the campaign:
“DeRay McKesson is a voice for this generation. His passion, activism and relentless commitment for justice have forced the nation to reflect and respond. We applaud DeRay’s courage and dedication in the demand for equal rights, not only in Baltimore, but throughout the nation.”
And if you think DeRay is feeling anything but honored by the contribution and the support, well take it from the man himself:
How about we take this to the next level?
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“The fight for justice is long. It is a fight to ensure equity within systems and structures that affect so many of us from communities that have traditionally been marginalized because of race and/or identity.
As a proud Black gay man, I’m honored by the support of Jack’d to help mobilize the young, LGBTQ voters of Baltimore. Let’s use our platforms to continue to build community and honor the complexity of our identities.”
Baltimore’s Democratic mayoral primary election is on April 26th. For more on DeRay’s bid, check out his website. We wish him the best of luck!
Kangol
I’m torn about Deray’s candidacy. On the one hand I love his BLM activism and courage. He has real vision. I love too that he’s a smart, proud young out black gay man. He would be a breath of fresh air in Baltimore City Hall.
On the other hand, what will this mean for the activism he’s championed? Will he be coopted? He’s already apparently linked to the pro-school voucher/school reform crowd in the Democratic Party. Many of these people never set foot inside public schools or look at the NAEP yet keep trying to “transform” public education, i.e., privatize and destroy it. His links to these folks gives me pause.
But I’m glad he’s running and wish him the best. Just leave the “school reform” crowd (Michelle Rhee, Arne Duncan, etc.) alone, Deray!
Keith TasteeAries Black-Dupree
Brian
All lives matter.
skcord
Wow! I have never heard it mentioned before that he was gay, who knew?!? I struggle with BLM, the core issue is one that needs more attention. But the protest tactics and overall disorganization detract from what could be a powerfull movement. On a side note – the phrase “all lives matter” is shortsighted at best, but more likely people being purposely obtuse. It is clear by all measures that black lives are seen as less valuable as other races. Drug use among whites and blacks is virtually the same yet the arrest and conviction rates for possession among blacks are significantly higher. Blacks with similar credit ratings to their white counterparts typically pay a higher percentage for their home and auto loans. Sentencing for black first time offenders is typically longer than white repeat offenders for the same crime…. I could go on and on, and these aren’t just assumptions or anecdotal, all of this is backed by sound research. So let’s be honest. BLM isn’t saying black lives matter and white/police lives don’t, their saying that their lives should be as valued as any other citizen.
skcord
… also he is very handsome ???
Stacy Imler
I’ve always loved Baltimore, now, even more. You got this DeRay! Heady times indeed.
Kangol
@skcord: Yep, he’s smart, progressive, gay, and quite easy on the eyes. If you like activists, he’s quite a catch!
Bauhaus
Impressive! He’s a Bowdoin alumnus to boot.
Rakmusen
Holy crap- I was living in Baltimore for fekking YEARS, had heard of Dekray, thought he’d be a HUGE asset to the city as mayor, and yet somehow, never knew he was family.
Gods, how did that fly under my radar???? Sometimes, I think I’m losing my mind, because I’m floored that I never had heard something, even if it was never publicized.
Now, I’m not living in Baltimore anymore, and feel like I’ve really missed out on something special, in a WHOLE lotta ways… :'(
dave lopes
Great, an unemployed career protester looking for a government job.
Alistair Wiseman
Oh yes, that all important Jack’d “major endorsement”. Great analysis, Queerty!
There is a reason DeRay McKesson is polling less than one percent in the poorly run, liberal shithole known as Baltimore.