BLM Co-Founder Patrisse Cullors Net Worth in 2025
Patrisse Cullors is a well known American activist, artist, and author. She gained national and international attention as one of the co-founders of the Black Lives Matter (BLM) movement. Her work in social justice, criminal justice reform, and activism has made her a public figure in recent years. With that spotlight, many people now wonder: What is Patrisse Cullors net worth in 2025?
What is Net Worth of Patrisse Cullors in 2025?
As of 2025, Patrisse Cullors net worth is estimated to be $5 million. Her income comes from multiple sources, including her published books, public speaking engagements, teaching roles, art exhibitions, and consulting projects. Although she has faced scrutiny over her finances, Cullors has always maintained that her earnings come from legal and professional work.
Her net worth has been a topic of media attention, especially in relation to her activism and property purchases.
Patrisse Cullors Bio
| Full Name | Patrisse Khan-Cullors |
| Net Worth (2025) | Estimated $5 Million |
| Date of Birth | June 20, 1983 |
| Birthplace | Los Angeles, California, USA |
| Occupation | Activist, Author, Artist, Educator |
| Known For | Co-founding the Black Lives Matter movement |
| Books Authored | “When They Call You a Terrorist,” “An Abolitionist’s Handbook” |
| Education | UCLA, Otis College of Art and Design |
| Years Active | 2001–present |
How Patrisse Cullors Makes Money?
Patrisse Cullors earns money through several professional roles. She is a best-selling author, having published two major books that explore topics like police brutality, mass incarceration, and her personal journey. These books have been sold worldwide and used in classrooms and reading lists.
She also earns income from speaking engagements. Universities, nonprofits, and corporations invite her to talk about racial justice, art, and activism. These events pay her for her time and expertise.
In addition, Cullors works as a consultant on diversity, equity, and inclusion projects. She teaches and collaborates with institutions on social change. Her creative work such as performance art and visual exhibits also contributes to her income.
Assets of Patrisse Cullors
Patrisse Cullors owns several personal assets, mostly tied to real estate and intellectual property:
- Real Estate: Cullors has reportedly owned multiple homes in Los Angeles and other locations. These include a home in Topanga Canyon and other properties purchased through personal income. Some media reports stirred public debate, but she stated that her real estate decisions were made independently of the BLM organization.
- Book Royalties: She continues to receive royalties from the sale of her books, which are published by major publishers and stocked in libraries, bookstores, and schools.
- Art Installations: Cullors is a practicing artist. Her visual art, exhibitions, and performances have been showcased in galleries. These works add to her asset portfolio.
- Speaking Contracts: She signs contracts for events, workshops, and seminars. These often include travel, speaking fees, and long-term consulting partnerships.
Some Ventures of Patrisse Cullors
Cullors has several creative and professional ventures that help diversify her income:
- Book Publishing: Her memoir, When They Call You a Terrorist, became a New York Times bestseller. Her second book, An Abolitionist’s Handbook, guides readers on community organizing and activism.
- Art Collaborations: Cullors has worked with local art centers and national museums on large-scale art pieces, particularly focusing on Black identity, community, and justice.
- Television Production: She signed deals with major entertainment platforms to develop and produce TV content centered on social justice themes and stories from underrepresented communities.
- Academic Roles: Cullors has taught at prestigious schools and worked with universities to educate students on activism, abolition, and civil rights.
- Nonprofit Consulting: She provides consulting to grassroots organizations on how to build sustainable and ethical nonprofit operations.
Early Life of Patrisse Cullors
Patrisse Cullors was born and raised in Los Angeles, California, in a low-income neighborhood. Her experience growing up in an over policed Black community shaped her views on justice. At a young age, she became involved in activism, particularly after her brother’s experience with incarceration and police brutality.
She studied philosophy and religion at UCLA and later attended Otis College of Art and Design, where she expanded her knowledge of visual art and activism. Her early life gave her the foundation to become a leader in social movements.
Career Life
Cullors began her career as an activist in her teens. She joined organizations that focused on prison abolition, LGBTQ+ rights, and community justice. In 2013, she co-founded the Black Lives Matter movement along with Alicia Garza and Opal Tometi. The hashtag and movement emerged after the acquittal of George Zimmerman in the Trayvon Martin case.
The movement gained global attention after the killings of Michael Brown, Breonna Taylor, and George Floyd. Under Cullors’ leadership, BLM chapters emerged across the U.S. and internationally. She served as the executive director of the BLM Global Network Foundation until she stepped down in 2021.
Her career also includes published writing, art projects, and community based education programs. She has remained active in local and national causes, using her platform to uplift Black voices and push for policy reform.
Personal Life
Patrisse Cullors identifies as queer and has been open about her experiences as a Black LGBTQ+ woman. She married Janaya Khan, a fellow activist and BLM organizer based in Canada.
Cullors lives with a strong focus on wellness, community healing, and family. In recent years, she has spoken about the toll activism can take on mental health and the importance of rest for leaders. She has stepped back from high-profile roles to focus more on her art and personal growth.
She continues to engage in activism through writing, teaching, and mentoring the next generation of organizers.
FAQs
How does Patrisse Cullors make money?
She earns through book royalties, speaking fees, art exhibits, teaching roles, and television production deals.
Did she use BLM funds to buy homes?
Cullors has denied using BLM donations for personal gain. She stated her property purchases were made with her own income.
Is Patrisse Cullors still part of BLM?
She stepped down from the BLM Global Network Foundation in 2021 to focus on her personal projects and artistic work.
What else does she do besides activism?
Cullors is a published author, visual artist, professor, and television producer.
Final Words
Patrisse Cullors net worth reflects her wide ranging career as an activist, artist, and public figure. While her wealth is modest compared to celebrities, it showcases her ability to turn passion and advocacy into a professional life. She has turned her voice into books, classes, and visual art that will continue to educate and inspire.
Despite facing criticism, she remains committed to building safe, just communities. Her life shows that it’s possible to fight for change while also creating personal success and legacy. Cullors continues to shape conversations around race, justice, and freedom in America.