As Cornel West embarks on his presidential run as an independent, his choice for a running mate, Melina Abdullah, carries a resume that warrants close examination. Beyond her role as a professor and co-founder of Black Lives Matter’s Los Angeles chapter, Abdullah’s story unveils previously untold perspectives that will likely ignite conversations.
1. The Unwelcome Exit: Ejected from a Mayoral Debate
In a scene that made headlines, Abdullah found herself physically removed from a 2022 mayoral debate at California State University LA. Citing a limited number of attendees and a lack of access for students and faculty, she protested vehemently.
Despite her academic affiliation with Cal State LA, police took her out of the premises without arresting her. Abdullah described an unpleasant encounter, claiming that co-sponsors of the debate, including a longtime acquaintance, ignored her pleas for assistance.
2. Legal Battles with BLM National Organization
Abdullah’s involvement with Black Lives Matter extended beyond the Los Angeles chapter. She found herself at odds with the national organization, leading to a lawsuit.
3. A Controversial Ally: Admiration for Louis Farrakhan
Abdullah’s social media activity has drawn attention to her consistent praise for Minister Louis Farrakhan, a figure renowned for anti-American and antisemitic rhetoric.
4. Champion of Defunding the Police
Abdullah’s support for defunding the police is closely tied to her role as a founding member of BLM’s Los Angeles chapter.
5. A Victim of Swatting
During the heightened tensions surrounding the George Floyd protests in 2020, Abdullah’s home became the target of a hoax 911 call known as “swatting.”
As Cornel West and Melina Abdullah embark on their presidential campaign, these previously undisclosed details add depth to the running mate’s profile. Her experiences and opinions promise to shape the narrative of their run, ensuring that public discourse surrounding her candidacy will be both engaging and thought-provoking.
Data sourced from: foxnews.com
