Former Boston BLM Activist Ordered to Repay $244,000 in Embezzled Funds

Monica Cannon-Grant pleaded guilty to wire fraud and tax offenses after stealing from her nonprofit organization.

Mar. 26, 2026 at 9:25pm

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A US federal court has ordered former Boston Black Lives Matter activist Monica Cannon-Grant to forfeit $244,000 which she embezzled for personal expenses like cars, shopping sprees, and vacations. Cannon-Grant had established the nonprofit organization Violence in Boston, through which she stole more than $180,000 in donations. She also defrauded local authorities for over $50,000 in pandemic benefits and rental assistance. Cannon-Grant was sentenced to four years of probation, six months of home detention, and 100 hours of community service after pleading guilty to 18 federal charges.

Why it matters

This case highlights ongoing concerns about financial mismanagement and fraud within some BLM-affiliated organizations, which has led to increased scrutiny of Black-led nonprofits in recent years. It also raises questions about the oversight and accountability of charitable donations, especially during periods of heightened social unrest.

The details

According to court records, Monica Cannon-Grant and her late husband Clark Grant established the nonprofit Violence in Boston, through which she embezzled more than $180,000 in donations. Cannon-Grant also defrauded local authorities for over $50,000 in pandemic benefits and rental assistance that she did not need. In January, she was sentenced to four years of probation, six months of home detention, and 100 hours of community service after pleading guilty to 18 federal charges, including wire fraud and tax offenses.

  • In 2022, Cannon-Grant and her husband were charged.
  • The Violence in Boston nonprofit was shut down by its board months after the charges.
  • Clark Grant died in a motorcycle accident the following year.
  • In January 2026, Cannon-Grant was sentenced to her punishment.

The players

Monica Cannon-Grant

A former Boston-based Black Lives Matter activist who was ordered to repay $244,000 in embezzled funds from her nonprofit organization.

Clark Grant

Cannon-Grant's late husband, who co-founded the Violence in Boston nonprofit with her before his death in a motorcycle accident.

Violence in Boston

The nonprofit organization established by Cannon-Grant and her husband, through which she embezzled over $180,000 in donations.

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What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Cannon-Grant to serve her sentence on probation or if she will need to serve time in prison.

The takeaway

This incident underscores the importance of financial transparency and accountability within nonprofit organizations, especially those tied to high-profile social movements. It serves as a cautionary tale about the potential for abuse of public trust and charitable donations.