Cornel West has selected Melina Abdullah, professor and co-founder of Black Lives Matter’s Los Angeles chapter, as his running mate for his long shot presidential bid. Abdullah has a controversial political history, including being forcibly removed from a mayoral debate in 2022 for protesting the limited audience size. She has also sued the national BLM organization and lost, alleging misuse of funds and control by consultants. Furthermore, Abdullah has expressed admiration for antisemitic leader Louis Farrakhan and has called for police defunding.
Abdullah filed a lawsuit against a BLM executive in 2022, alleging financial mismanagement and misuse of non-profit funds. The case was ultimately dismissed, and Abdullah was ordered to pay legal fees. Her public support for Louis Farrakhan, a known antisemite, has also been a point of contention, as she has praised him on social media over the years. Additionally, Abdullah has advocated for defunding the police, claiming it is time to reimagine public safety and divest from law enforcement.
In 2015, Abdullah tweeted about being grateful to share space with Louis Farrakhan, stating #JusticeOrElse. She continued to defend him on social media in 2019, arguing against his banning from Instagram and Facebook. Abdullah has a history of supporting Farrakhan, despite his controversial views, sparking criticism from those who oppose his ideologies. Her public endorsement of Farrakhan has raised questions about her judgment and values as a political candidate.
Abdullah’s call for defunding the police gained attention in the wake of the George Floyd protests in 2020. She argued for diverting funds from law enforcement to other community services, criticizing a proposed budget increase for the LAPD in 2023. Abdullah believes that investing in alternatives to traditional policing is essential for public safety. Her stance on police funding has both supporters and detractors, reflecting the ongoing debate over law enforcement reform in the United States.
In 2020, Abdullah was the victim of a swatting incident, where a hoax call led to a police response at her home. The LAPD investigated the false claim of hostages being held at her residence, deeming it a malicious hoax. Abdullah criticized the police response, accusing law enforcement of trying to intimidate her and her family. The incident highlighted the dangers of swatting, a serious crime that has targeted individuals across the country. Abdullah’s experience with swatting underscored the challenges faced by activists and public figures in dealing with false emergency calls intended to disrupt their lives.
Overall, Melina Abdullah’s selection as Cornel West’s running mate brings attention to her controversial past and political beliefs. From being removed from a mayoral debate to suing the national BLM organization, Abdullah has faced scrutiny for her actions and statements. Her support for Louis Farrakhan and advocacy for police defunding have sparked debates within the political sphere. Despite these controversies, Abdullah remains committed to her goals of social justice and community empowerment, as she continues to navigate the challenges of running for the second-highest office in the country.
