The brutal history of colonialism is one in which white people literally stole land and people for their own gain and material wealth.

In this quote, Patrisse Cullors highlights the brutality of colonialism and its deeply exploitative nature. She asserts that during the colonial era, white people engaged in the systematic theft of both land and people to enrich themselves and secure material wealth. Cullors emphasizes that this process was not just about acquiring territory but involved the dehumanization of entire populations, particularly Indigenous and African communities, whose land and labor were forcibly taken for the benefit of colonial powers.

Cullors' statement underscores the violence and injustice that were foundational to the colonial system. The theft of land and people represents the core mechanisms by which colonial powers expanded their empires and amassed wealth, often at the cost of the lives and cultures of the oppressed. Her words aim to draw attention to the long-lasting effects of colonialism, which continue to affect the descendants of those who were exploited and dispossessed.

The origin of this quote can be traced to Cullors’ activism and her role as a co-founder of the Black Lives Matter movement, which seeks to address the historical and ongoing impacts of racial injustice. Cullors has been an outspoken advocate for racial equality and decolonization, challenging systemic racism and its roots in colonial history. Her focus on the violent legacy of colonialism highlights the importance of confronting the historical truths that shape current power dynamics.

Ultimately, Cullors’ quote serves as a call to acknowledge and address the enduring consequences of colonialism. It underscores the need for historical reconciliation and the recognition of the ways in which the theft of land and people shaped modern societies. Her statement challenges us to reckon with the impact of colonial exploitation on contemporary global inequality and to work toward justice and healing for those still affected by its legacy.