The music industry called for a social media Black Out on Tuesday June 2nd as a day to reflect and demonstrate their support for the black lives matter movement. The death of George Floyd has ignited a massive demand for change across all aspects of the world and the music industry is doing their part to bring awareness.
Music executives Jamila Thomas and Brianna Agyemang spearheaded the #BlackOutTuesday effort to shake up normal business operations on June 2 via their #theshowmustbepaused initiative.
Participants are encouraged to post a black out photo along with not engaging in social media activity for the day. In a letter explaining the effort posted to their official site, Thomas and Agyemang said it is “in observance of the long-standing racism and inequality that exists from the boardroom to the boulevard.”
It’s no secret, the music and entertainment industry is one filled with the culture of Black people since its inception. With these industries profiting from the culture of Black people, it makes sense to show support during a time like this.
Music based companies such as a Live Nation, Columbia Records, TikTok and the Recording Academy announced their support of the Black Out Tuesday initiative. Interscope Records furthered their support by pausing the release of any music this week. Instead Interscope plans to contribute to organizations bailing out protestors exercising their right to peacefully assemble. These efforts also go towards lawyers working for systematic change and to provide assistance to charities focuses one retain economic empowerment in the Black community.
“We will not continue to conduct business as usual without regard for Black lives,” Thomas and Agyemang wrote. “Tuesday, June 2 is meant to intentionally disrupt the work week.”
The hopes are that these efforts continue long beyond the social media sphere. Posting your support is one thing but the fight continues inside our homes, schools, offices and beyond. Everyone can educate themselves on the history of black people and how they can help the cause. Have those conversations with friends, donate to bail funds, vote in the polls and beyond.
