A Black Lives Matter affiliate is under fire after issuing a bombastic Juneteenth statement demanding white Americans pay reparations—either in cold hard cash or in service work like babysitting and sweeping porches.

The group, Black Lives Matter Grassroots, published a fiery press release on Thursday titled “JUNETEENTH IS OUR BLACK JUBILEE”, directly calling out “white folks” to settle the debt of slavery through financial or physical compensation. The organization didn’t mince words: “Slide your Black friend some benjamins. Make a check out to Black liberation organizations, like BLM Grassroots.” The message didn’t stop there—it instructed white people to “wash your neighbor’s car,” “watch her kids,” or “sweep their front stoop.” Oh, and “do not ask to come to the cookout.”

The explosive statement appears to be a response to the growing funding crisis facing social justice groups. According to the Associated Press, Juneteenth events across the country have been scaled back this year as corporations and local governments distance themselves from controversial diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives. BLM Grassroots clearly sees that retreat as a betrayal—and is pushing everyday Americans to make up the shortfall.

The Daily Caller was first to report on the press release and highlighted that BLM’s Juneteenth push comes as support for the movement continues to plummet. A recent Pew Research poll showed that most Americans believe the increased focus on race since the death of George Floyd in 2020 has not improved outcomes for Black communities.

Compounding the optics problem: Washington, D.C. recently dismantled the famed Black Lives Matter Plaza, a move seen by many as symbolic of the waning influence of the movement. Georgia Congressman Andrew Clyde, who advocated for the mural’s removal, described it as a divisive “stain” on the nation’s capital.

While BLM Grassroots blames “white-supremacist capitalism” for their financial woes, critics say the group’s tone-deaf messaging is part of the problem. Rather than seeking constructive solutions or unifying support, they’ve doubled down on racial division and entitlement messaging—telling everyday Americans they owe labor or money simply based on their skin color.

The backlash was swift. Conservative commentators and GOP lawmakers blasted the Juneteenth statement as “racist extortion.” Others pointed to past BLM financial scandals—including the multimillion-dollar mansions purchased by former leadership—as reason enough to dismiss their pleas for donations.

Still, this year’s Juneteenth message offers a revealing look into the current state of the BLM movement: dwindling influence, desperate fundraising, and a return to radical rhetoric that alienates the very public it seeks to influence.

Whether these demands rally more supporters or drive more donors away remains to be seen. But one thing is clear: the racial grievance playbook that once sparked global protests now risks burning through the last remnants of public goodwill.