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CBC Members Met with FBI Director Christopher Wray about the FBI’s Controversial “Black Identity Extremists” Report. This Is What They Learned.

Published

9 years ago

December 1, 2017

By Stacy M. Brown (NNPA Newswire Contributor)

FBI Director Christopher A. Wray failed to explain why the agency he leads changed the name of a domestic terrorism designation from “Black Separatist Extremists” to “Black Identity Extremist,” during a recent meeting with a group of Congressional Black Caucus members about a leaked FBI document.

Wray also refused to acknowledge that Black activists, including Black Lives Matter organizers, are being monitored by the FBI, according to CBC members present at the meeting.

The leaked FBI document, titled “Black Identity Extremists Likely Motivated to Target Law Enforcement Officers,” sparked a wave of controversy and sharp criticism of the FBI.

At least one CBC member called the leaked document “COINTELPRO 2.0,” while another said that the report “calls for open season on Black activists.” The document was shared widely with local law enforcement agencies across the country.

According to Newsweek, following the “fatal attacks on police officers in Dallas and Baton Rouge, Louisiana in 2016, the bureau expressed concerns about ‘the threat of copycat attacks against law enforcement’ at the Republican and Democratic national conventions.”

Newsweek reported that other documents showed that “the FBI has monitored Black Lives Matter protesters.”

Those documents were released, because of a lawsuit to expose the surveillance filed by the Center for Constitutional Rights and the civil rights group Color of Change.

On Wednesday, November 29, Congressional Black Caucus Chair Cedric Richmond (D-La.) and 2nd Vice Chair Karen Bass (D-Calif.), provided an overview of their meeting with Wray in a teleconference with National Newspaper Publishers Association (NNPA) President Dr. Benjamin F. Chavis; NNPA National Chairman Dorothy Leavell; and a group of Black publishers, editors and reporters.

CBC members, who are also members of the House Committee on Homeland Security, the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence, and the House Committee on the Judiciary were present at the meeting.

“Listening to [Wray], especially considering meetings and discussions we’ve had with Attorney General [Jeff] Sessions, he appeared to be a breath of fresh air,” Bass said.

According to Bass, Wray said the “Black Identity Extremists” report was completed prior to his taking the post, but he acknowledged that he “owns the document” now.

Wray also said that no one would be investigated or targeted, unless they met three points of criteria: there had to be credible evidence of federal crimes; a credible threat of force or violence; and both of those points had to exist in furtherance of a social or political goal.

Bass said the FBI uses that criteria to categorize people as domestic terrorists and, according to the leaked document, “Black Identity Extremists” fall into the category of domestic terrorism.

Wray also admitted that the policy wasn’t new, the name simply changed, Bass said.

FBI Director Christopher Wray denied that his agency is investigating the Black Lives Matter movement. In this photo, Wray speaks at the Intelligence and National Security Alliance Summit in Washington, D.C on September 7, 2017. (FBI/Wikimedia Commons)

“They used to call it ‘Black Separatist Extremists’ and they changed it to ‘Black Identity Extremists,’” said Bass. “[Wray] didn’t have a lot of rationale for why that change took place, except for the fact that the people that fall under the category ‘Black Identity Extremist’ don’t seem to be separatists in today’s world.”

CBC members raised major concerns about the report, one of which was how FBI even crafted the methodology to come up with the category of “Black Identity Extremists.”

“[Wray] essentially said that they used ‘open source’ documents, which means news reports,” said Bass. “Lord knows what that means.”

Bass said that, based on what she heard from Wray, the methodology seemed “flimsy.”

“When we raised our concerns that a new generation of Black activists were being targeted [including the Black Lives Matter movement] for surveillance and harassment, [Wray] said repeatedly that there was no investigation of the Black Lives Matter movement,” said Bass.

Bass and the other CBC members let Wray know that they were “completely aware” that some activists in their communities were experiencing surveillance and harassment, even though they didn’t meet the requirements that Wray described that would lead to an investigation.

The CBC members asked the FBI to retract the document and issue a new message to local law enforcement agencies.

“One of the problems with this document is that it has been widely distributed to law enforcement agencies around the country,” said Bass. “Many of us referenced either our own personal experiences or experiences we were aware of during the ‘COINTELPRO’ years when, if you send a document like this out to local law enforcement, in many of our opinions, you can declare open season on Black activists, because then local law enforcement agencies can use the document as justification for doing whatever they want to do.”

COINTELPRO, or the “Counter Intelligence Program” of the FBI, was designed in part to “expose, disrupt, misdirect, discredit, or otherwise neutralize the activities of the Black nationalists,” during the 1950s and 1970s.

Writing for the Huffington Post, G. Flint Taylor, a founding partner of the People’s Law Office in Chicago, said that hundreds of documents were uncovered during a court case in 1976 that revealed that the FBI also plotted to destroy a children’s breakfast program run by the Black Panther Party and “disrupt distribution of the BPP newspaper.”

The documents exposed in the 1976 court case also revealed, “massive wiretap overhears, including conversations between BPP members and their attorneys,” Taylor wrote.

“The FBI denies they are surveilling (sic) our groups like the Black Lives Matter movement, but we told them that we don’t believe it and our information tells us that” those groups are under surveillance, said Richmond.

Richmond said that the CBC members plan to present information to the FBI detailing surveillance and harassment of Black organizers.

The FBI director expressed interests in meeting with CBC members regularly because, “We are the eyes and ears on the ground,” and the CBC offers diversity that the agency lacks, said Richmond.

Bass asked the Black Press to put the call out to their readers to let lawmakers know if they have experienced harassment or surveillance, a request that Richmond echoed.

Chavis, the president and CEO of the NNPA, committed to working with Richmond and other CBC members to uncover stories of unwarranted government surveillance and harassment in the Black community.

“People may be more considerate in doing things, if they know that the Black Press will be on their case,” said Leavell, the chairman of the NNPA. “In addition, it certainly shows our strength, if we can have a great impact.”

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NNPAFreddie

Freddie Allen is the Editor-In-Chief of the NNPA Newswire and BlackPressUSA.com. Focused on Black people stuff, positively. You should follow Freddie on Twitter and Instagram @freddieallenjr.

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HE SAID, HE SAID, HE SAID: Losing What I Never Had: Uncovering My Authentic Self —9.25.26 7PM ET

Discover your authentic self. Join us live Friday, Sept. 25, 7 PM ET for “He Said, He Said, He Said” with Dr. Raphael C. Heaggans.

Published

13 hours ago

September 25, 2026

BlackPressUSA

Three Black men in suits speak at podiums, implying a discussion of differing perspectives.

Tune in Friday, September 25, 2026 @ 7pm EST for the special encore presentation of “He Said, He Said, He Said Live!” A Look at the World from a Seasoned Black Man’s Perspective for “Losing What I Never Had: Uncovering My Authentic Self” with special guest author, Dr. Raphael C. Heaggans

Dr. Raphael C. Heaggans is a Special Education Administrator at Prince George’s County Public Schools and author of several works, including his popular books, “Diversity and Triumphs of Navigating the Terrain of Academe: International Perspectives”, and “The 21st Century Hip-Hop Minstrel Show: Are We Continuing the Blackface Tradition?” offering a critique of hip hop and shows how hip hop often serves as a tool of oppression that perpetuates historically negative images and messages about people of African descent. His new book, “Losing What I Never Had: Uncovering My Authentic Self”, Dr. Heaggans calls this work his story of courage — loosely based on his life as a survivor of sexual abuse from his biological religious father. It captures the process of forgiving and encourages the readers to walk in the identity in which they have been divinely called.

He Said, He Said, He Said proudly welcomes Dr. Heaggans for an up-close and intimate conversation about his book and a rarely visited topic on the impacts of religious trauma on Black, Gay, and Christian men.

As always, your presence and participation make the show even better! We will respond to your questions in real time.

New Episodes of “He Said, He Said, He Said” – Live stream Fridays, 7 p.m. EST on all these links:
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Voter Education – Homeownership

Get informed about homeownership and voter education this Friday on WIN-TV! Tune in for valuable resources and important community conversations.

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1 day ago

September 24, 2026

BlackPressUSA

Washington Informer's video on voter education about homeownership, showing diverse people looking at a house.

Friday, September 25 from NOON to 1 P.M., Let’s Talk on WIN-TV brings you conversations packed with information you can use!
🗳️ First up: Rev. George Gilbert discusses the newly launched Multi-State Voter Education, Mobilization and Protection Campaign and the importance of voter education and engagement.
🏡 Next: DCHFA joins us to share valuable homeownership resources and help DC residents better understand the programs and opportunities available to them.
And finally: A conversation with Author, Historian, Archaeologist Dr. Cheryl LaRoche
Three conversations. One powerful hour!
📺 Watch Let’s Talk Friday, September 25, from NOON to 1 P.M. on WIN-TV!
Community. Culture. Conversation. Connection.
Don’t miss it—tune in, get informed and share the broadcast!

Black History

Doulas Are Helping Black California Moms Navigate Pregnancy–Even as High Mortality Rates Persist

In California, Black women experience the highest pregnancy-related mortality rate — about four times greater than other women, according to statistics. From 2021 to 2023, the leading causes of pregnancy-related deaths included cardiovascular disease, COVID-19, hemorrhage, sepsis, amniotic fluid embolism, and pulmonary embolism.

Published

2 days ago

September 24, 2026

BlackPressUSA Newswire

Long Beach resident Cassandra Carter approached the birth of her daughter, Nyomi (pictured), last November with anxiety after losing twins. She is pictured here with her husband.

By McKenzie Jackson, California Black Media

After losing twins, Long Beach resident Cassandra Carter approached the birth of her daughter, Nyomi, last November with anxiety. She wanted support for herself and her husband, Adewole, that extended beyond routine medical care.

“Getting pregnant as a Black woman, I wanted a team around me that made me feel safe,” she said. “I know all about the mishaps that Black women experience.”

Carter, a therapist and self-described hippie, hired Yvette Perry, a doula and co-founder of Divine Birthing Services LLC in Lancaster. Perry helped Cassandra craft a detailed birth plan.

“I was worried about postpartum depression. Mrs. Yvette knows a lot about how postpartum affects men as well,” Carter explained.

Perry was present the day Nyomi was born. She held the baby when Carter or her husband needed a moment and even set up candles in the birthing suite.

“Whatever I needed for my comfort, she was there,” Carter said of Perry. “She was there as an advocate and voice. I had a really serene birthing experience because I had someone extra who wasn’t tied to me as my family.”

Perry, a doula for nearly six years, said preexisting conditions, poor communication and dismissive hospital care heighten health risks for Black mothers.

“Sometimes, Black mommies are not being heard. They don’t know they have rights. They don’t know they can say, ‘no,’” Perry explained. “Doulas empower them. We are there to educate them.”

Perry’s concerns reflect a broader public health crisis. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s 2024 maternal mortality report, non-Hispanic Black women in the U.S. died from pregnancy-related causes at a rate of 44.8 deaths per 100,000 live births.

In California, Black women experience the highest pregnancy-related mortality rate — about four times greater than other women, according to statistics. From 2021 to 2023, the leading causes of pregnancy-related deaths included cardiovascular disease, COVID-19, hemorrhage, sepsis, amniotic fluid embolism, and pulmonary embolism.

The Centering Black Mothers in California report found that structural racism — including barriers to high-quality health care, and chronic stress— disproportionately harms Black women.

In a statement to California Black Media (CBM), the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) said maternal mortality disparities stem from multiple factors. The department said addressing structural racism, listening to Black women’s experiences and reducing provider bias are key to closing the gap.

California began covering doula care as a Medi-Cal benefit in 2023, providing eligible patients with support during pregnancy, childbirth and the postpartum period, according to CDPH.

Whitney Dotson of Inglewood wanted an expert on pregnancy, labor, and delivery to guide her and her husband, Anthony, through the birth of their son, Anthony III. So, she hired Perry for doula support.

“It’s always more comfortable when you can have a second opinion,” she said. “Knowing she was better versed in what the options were, made me more comfortable.”

Dotson, 39, had a healthy pregnancy but faced recommendations common for expectant mothers over 35. Her doctor advised inducing labor at 39 weeks, but she hoped to carry to full term.

“I wasn’t comfortable with that,” she admitted.

Perry provided Dotson with information about induction guidelines and alternatives, helping her understand her options and communicate her preferences.

Then, Dotson returned to her doctor.

“I said, ‘I don’t want to — and this is why,’” she recalled. “He agreed and pushed the induction date back a week.”

Perry also advised Anthony on how he could support his wife during and after the pregnancy and during Anthony III’s birth. She also reminded Dotson to change birthing positions — from her back to her hands and knees.

Before Saveneh Martinez became a doula with Fierce Advocates in Contra Costa County, she was a new mom, uneducated on aspects of birth, which led to her first child, Colton, being placed in a Neonatal Intensive Care Unit.

“I didn’t know my choices,” she said.

Martinez called it “lifesaving” for expecting moms to have a doula.

“It should be a medical right,” she said.

California Perinatal Quality Care Collaborative (CPQCC) Senior Associate Medical Director Kimberly D. Gregory said research suggests that doulas decrease the pre-term birth rate and the likelihood of a C-section.

“Having a doula is a proactive thing to do,” she said.

Efforts are being made across the state to reduce maternal deaths.

CDPH’s Title V Action Plan aims to reduce pregnancy-related deaths among Black birthing mothers from 49.7 to 42.3 per 100,000 live births by 2030 through improvements in patient-centered care, expanding community-based perinatal teams, and addressing the social factors that contribute to poor maternal health outcomes.

CDPH’s Black Infant Health (BIH) Program and Perinatal Equity Initiative (PEI) have already begun to make headway.

“BIH’s prenatal group model improves key intermediate outcomes for participants, including increased social support and empowerment, better stress management, reduced depressive symptoms and gains in health knowledge and behaviors such as safe sleep practices and reduced smoking,” the CDPH told CBM.

“PEI’s early implementation results show progress across several participant-reported areas, such as improved birth experiences, breastfeeding initiation, and coparenting skills among fathers and partners,” the CDPH statement continued.

Gregory said the California Pregnancy Associated Review Committee examines maternal deaths and develops guidelines to help hospitals improve care. One of its main recommendations focuses on how hospitals respond to hemorrhaging, a leading cause of pregnancy-related deaths.

Gregory said CMQCC also created standard clinic care practices for cardiovascular disease and sepsis, two more drivers of maternal mortality, but widespread implementation across the state is pending.

She noted that although there are 800 maternal deaths a year in the U.S., there are also 3.6 million births.

“Most people will do well,” she said. “But you should know about complications like preterm birth. You should know about complications like diabetes, preeclampsia and postpartum depression.”

Martinez said doulas help to make birthing the transformative experience that it is, instead of a routine clinical transaction.

“Being able to feel heard, seen, safe, respected, and just being able to create spaces for them to be held as well,” she said.

Supported by the California Health Care Foundation (CHCF), which works to ensure that people have access to the care they need, when they need it, at a price they can afford. Visit www.chcf.org to learn more.

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Headlines and Hotlines

Niele Anderson and Rodney Perry dive into the headlines demanding attention on the BlackPressUSA Morning Show. Get the context and conversation behind the news you need to know.

Published

2 days ago

September 24, 2026

BlackPressUSA

BlackPressUSA Morning Show: Host Niele Anderson is joined by Rodney Perry for a closer look at the headlines demanding attention.

Watch BlackPressUSA Morning Show for the headlines, the context, and the conversation behind the news.

#BlackPressUSA #MorningShow #BlackNews #NieleAnderson #RodneyPerry

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Headlines and Hotlines 📱

Join Niele Anderson and Rodney Perry on the BlackPressUSA Morning Show as they dissect today’s hottest headlines and the conversations that matter. Get the context behind the news, right here.

Published

2 days ago

September 24, 2026

BlackPressUSA