Nekima Levy Armstrong, a prominent activist and civil rights lawyer, has garnered significant attention after leading a protest at Cities Church in St. Paul, Minnesota, aimed at opposing U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). This demonstration is part of a broader movement in the Twin Cities against increased immigration enforcement. Armstrong, who has served as the executive director of the Wayfinder Foundation for the past six years, has reportedly earned over $1 million during her tenure.
The protest on Sunday, which disrupted church services, was fueled by claims that one of the church’s pastors is affiliated with ICE. Armstrong took to social media to express her views, highlighting the ongoing tensions surrounding federal immigration policies in the state.
Financial Overview of the Wayfinder Foundation
Tax filings reveal that while the Wayfinder Foundation, dedicated to anti-poverty initiatives, reported revenues of approximately $5.2 million from 2019 to 2024, it awarded only $700,052 in grants during that period. In stark contrast, Armstrong’s total compensation as executive director amounted to $936,395, along with an additional $201,313 in health benefits and other forms of compensation.
In 2024 alone, the foundation disbursed just $158,811 in grants while Armstrong received a salary of $215,726, plus nearly $40,548 in additional benefits. The previous year, the foundation granted $133,698, with Armstrong earning $170,726 in salary.
The foundation has received backing from notable donors, including the Black Lives Matter Global Network Foundation and the Walton Family Foundation. According to tax filings, the Black Lives Matter foundation contributed $20,000 to Wayfinder to support initiatives aimed at educating and assisting Black communities. Meanwhile, the Walton Family Foundation donated a substantial $2.34 million between 2018 and 2024.
Controversial Activism and Public Statements
Armstrong’s activism has not been without controversy. She has publicly supported various issues, including boycotts against corporations like Target for their decisions regarding diversity programs. Her social media activity has also attracted scrutiny; in a recent post, she praised Joanne Chesimard, known as Assata Shakur, who was convicted of murder in 1977, calling her “a brave, wise, powerful, and revolutionary Black woman.”
The recent protest at Cities Church has sparked a strong response from community members and church leaders alike. In light of the disruption, one pastor expressed his discontent, stating, “We’re here to worship Jesus,” underscoring the conflict between the church’s mission and the activists’ objectives.
Fox News Digital attempted to reach Armstrong and the Wayfinder Foundation for comments regarding the protests and financial operations but did not receive a response. The broader implications of Armstrong’s activism and the financial practices of the Wayfinder Foundation continue to resonate within the community as discussions about immigration, civil rights, and nonprofit accountability unfold.
As the protest movements evolve, the impact of Armstrong’s leadership and the foundation’s financial decisions will likely remain a focal point of debate in Minnesota and beyond.
