BLM757 Leader Continues Work with GOP After Rally at Anti-Trump Richmond Event

On July 17, Richmond's Monument Avenue sprawled with protesters with two common themes; honoring the law civil rights activist and Congressman John Lewis and protesting the Trump administration.

This event sponsored by the protest group Virginia 50501 continued their theme of being a big tent event, with groups including Richmond Democrats and the Virginia chapter of the Marxist Party for Social Liberation. The tent was apparently big enough to include Aubrey "Japharii" Jones of Black Lives Matter 757 or BLM757.

Back in March, I wrote about how Jones received over $5,000 from Virginia Republicans during the 2023 Virginia Election. BLM757 and Jones have been disavowed by Greater DC Black Lives Matter. Jones has made connections with right-wing movements like Boogaloo Boys and had an appearance on Infowars with a host who once burned a Black Lives Matter flag in Washington DC on the eve of January 6.

Since March, Jones received another payment from Republican Delegate A.C. Cordoza and Jones declined to comment on working for Cordoza when asked for comment. After I walked away Jones, he then followed me down the street defending working with Delegate Cordoza and accused me of doxxing him, taking pictures of children, (I am not aware of any children from Mr. Jones), and then finally telling me to "get the fuck out my face."

Jones was not content with just having a public meltdown. Instead of pretending like this conversation never happened, Jones logged onto Threads to complain about being asked a question about working for Republicans. Some of the replies to the post from Jones were questioning the actions of Jones. One post from Sherri Shannon who is a co-founder of Southside ReLeaf said that Jones "must be doing something foul and shady" because I am a beloved. (Thanks Sherri for the compliment. I won't let you down in the next few paragraphs.)

On that same day, Jones was photographed and later published by The Richmond Free Press. The significance of Jones is to give the appearance of a radical organization by being placed in an article that does not question his involvement with Republicans or other right-wing groups. Jones has the right to free association with whomever he wants but asking him about his associates often results in hostility.

Since that hot July event, Jones has hit the campaign trail with Republican candidate Tim Anderson who is running against Democrat incumbent Delegate Michael Feggans. Jones and Anderson held an event on Saturday July 26. Jones presented the event as a nonpartisan town hall that was moderated by his organization BLM757. Anderson says that he invited Delegate Feggans. This was not a nonpartisan event, it is a campaign event.

The event was a pathetic farce with Anderson and Jones concealing to the audience about their past and their past positions and actions. Jones claims to be independent but will not mention that he is a paid consultant for Republicans.

Then on Monday, Jones posted on Facebook that he was going to "turn up the heat on political candidates who refuse to debate" possibly referring to Delegate Feggans. "If we have to bring a bullhorn to your next event so you can hear us, WE WILL!"

With Election Day in Virginia 3 months away, Aubrey Jones will most likely continue his astroturfed campaign against Democrats in Virginia. Jones looks to use his bullhorn because his purpose to not a discussion, it is about being loud. Loud enough, that someone can not have a dialogue.

Attempts to contact Delegate Cordoza and his campaign did not result in a response.