The Founding of the Black Activist Mobility Network (BAMN)
On June 1, 2020, a peaceful protest in Troy, Michigan, marked the beginning of the Black Activist Mobility Network (BAMN)—an intersectional nonprofit organization committed to advancing progressive legislation and uplifting the Detroit community. Organized in response to the urgent need for justice and accountability, the protest drew over 500 participants who gathered along Big Beaver Road, one of the city's busiest corridors, to demand racial equity, amplify Black voices, and stand against police brutality.
This historic march, held on a Monday evening, was rooted in the core American principles of free speech, peaceful assembly, and petitioning the government. As protesters moved past landmarks such as the Somerset Collection mall, the Metro Detroit community gathered in support of “Black Lives Matter” and the names of those lost to police violence echoed through the streets—transforming Troy’s commercial district into a space of resistance and unity.
BAMN was founded on four guiding pillars: justice, equity, education, and liberation. Its mission is deeply informed by Kimberlé Crenshaw’s theory of intersectionality, which provides a framework for understanding how overlapping identities—such as race, gender, class, sexuality, and ability—shape individuals' experiences within systems of power. By centering intersectionality in its approach, BAMN seeks to dismantle systemic oppression through inclusive activism and community engagement.
Troy resident described the protest as “heartwarming,” calling it a powerful moment of collective purpose and a testament to what can be achieved when communities come together for change. This inaugural action laid the foundation for BAMN’s ongoing work, solidifying its place as a vital force for equity and advocacy in the Metro Detroit area.
