These experiences-along with learning about racism, sexism, and other forms of discrimination in a high school program focused on social justice and the arts-led Patrisse to become a community organizer. As an adult, she was heartbroken when Gabriel passed away from a heart attack and equally heartbroken when Monte was given a harsh prison sentence for a crime he committed while experiencing a severe manic episode (he suffered from schizoaffective disorder).
She became very close with both Gabriel and Monte and, as she grew up, watched them go in and out of prison for nonviolent, drug-related crimes. The same year, she found out that her father, Alton, is not her biological father- Gabriel was.
At 12 years old, Patrisse was handcuffed in front of the class for smoking marijuana in the bathroom, even though her wealthy white peers smoke with no consequences. Along with her three siblings- Paul, Monte, and Jasmine-she was raised by her working-class single mother, Cherice, who was sometimes unable to earn enough money to pay for food. She is a self-identified queer Black woman who grew up in Van Nuys, California, during the 1990s, the height of the war on drugs. Patrisse is-along with Alicia and Opal-one the founders of the Black Lives Matter (BLM) movement.
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