639. 5 Steps to Launch Campaigns That Scale: Lessons from BLM’s Black Play Matters - Cicley Gay
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Overview
Meet Cicley 🤝 She’s the Board Chairwoman of the Black Lives Matter Global Network Foundation, where she’s shaping the future of racial justice and philanthropy with love, transparency, and community at the center.
In this episode, Cicley takes us inside her journey from grassroots activism to leading a global movement. You’ll get the inside scoop on BLM’s 12th anniversary Black Play Matters campaign and why joy, play, and community are powerful tools for change.
Join us as she breaks down her step-by-step approach to launching campaigns that truly make an impact—being human-centered, telling powerful stories, securing amplifiers, staying agile, and measuring what matters.
No matter your role—leading a nonprofit, organizing in your community, or simply seeking ways to spark change—you’ll walk away with practical strategies, renewed hope, and a reminder that everyone has a part to play in building a more just and joyful world.
Learn:
How BLM’s 12-year evolution and Black Play Matters shifted the narrative to joy.
Why campaigns must be human-centered—honoring uniqueness, listening, and defining clearly.
How storytelling connects heart and data to spark action and change.
Where impact grows by engaging amplifiers, staying agile, and measuring results.
Why love, hope, and transparency build lasting, community-driven movements.
Today’s Guest:
Cicley Gay | Board Chairwoman, Black Lives Matter Global Network Foundation
“I drink from wells that I did not dig. I may not see the fruits of my labor, but I have hope that those we invest in will see the world they deserve.”
Episode Transcript
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Episode Highlights
How Cicley Gay Leads (02:00)
Where Campaigns Thrive (10:15)
Why Change Matters (18:30)
How Play Empowers (25:45)
Where Philanthropy Impacts (33:20)
Why Love Leads (40:50)
The Power of Community (45:10)
Navigating Leadership Transitions (50:30)
Cicley's One Good Thing (55:00)
Powerful Quotes
“It’s about making sure black lives are just defended, but they’re deeply valued and sustained.” -Cicley Gay
“We had a lot of work to do to rebuild trust and be very clear about our values. We’re fighting systems and systems take strategy.” - Cicley Gay
“Pain is information. Change can be a gift. Ground it in truth, love, and transparency.” -Cicley Gay
“I look at it like a race. It’s a passing of the baton. It’s dangerous for us to get into a space where we feel like we have to solve it all. We usually have very audacious goals. We believe we can save the world. It’s hope that carries us through. We have to know that we are a part of a larger story and movement. Run your race, with your skills, with your team.” -Cicley Gay
“Joy is resistance, and play is liberation. Every child deserves to play on the field, stage, or playground without fear of bias.” -Cicley Gay
“We’re pushing for policy and partnerships, and holding the powers at be accountable so the right to play is protected.” -Cicley Gay
“Art is now one of our strategic pillars. We say often there has been no time that art hasn’t been connected to our collective liberation.” -Cicley Gay
“We’re listening to stories of families and students and artists.” -Cicley Gay
Cicley One Good Thing: ‘Love absolutely is a superpower. It’s the most radical, sustainable strategy we have.’ (33:00)
5 Steps to Strong Campaigns
1. Recognize uniqueness.
Every campaign is different—there’s no one-size-fits-all. Honor the distinct needs of people, causes, and communities.
2. Stay human-centered.
Listen closely to those most impacted. Value lived experience, elevate practical knowledge, and collaborate authentically.
3. Be clear and tell the story.
Name the problem plainly. Then connect heart and data through storytelling to inspire action and investment.
4. Secure your amplifiers.
Build a circle of partners, storytellers, and funders who can carry your message forward and amplify your credibility.
5. Execute with agility and measure impact.
Adapt in real time, and track both numbers and narratives. Use data—quantitative and qualitative—to show results and stand out.
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