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In the wake of George Floyd, Ahmaud Arbery and Breonna Taylor’s tragic deaths, celebrities from the music industry and beyond are using their social media platforms to stand in solidarity with the Black community. In honor of Blackout Tuesday, celebs took to their respective social media accounts to post an all-black image to show their support. Using the hashtag #blackouttuesday, Ricky Martin , Salma Hayek , Sofia Vergara and Cardi B unified in the viral movement as did Daddy Yankee, Camila Cabello and Demi Lovato among millions of others.
The campaign was initially created by Black music industry executives Brianna Agyemang from Platoon and Jamila Thomas of Atlantic Records to focus on the music industry, in which black artists play a large role. The major record labels supported their mission, which was explained in a statement: “Our mission is to hold the industry at large, including major corporations + their partners who benefit from the effort, struggles and successes of Black people accountable.” And they encouraged others to “take a beat for an honest, reflective and productive conversation about what actions we need to collectively take to support the Black community.”
Oprah Winfrey shared with her almost 19 million followers: “This is for George Floyd and all those who came before. Although we are showing solidarity on social media, please remember there are elections happening today in Iowa, Montana, New Mexico, South Dakota, Washington D.C., Indiana, Maryland, Pennsylvania, Idaho, and Rhode Island. Vote. #blackouttuesday.” This post was a follow up to her initial thoughts about George’s murder.
Taraji P. Henson and Halle Berry joined in Mama O’s sentiment about voting. The X-Men actress wrote “#BlackOutTuesday - please take ACTION today in the fight against racial injustice. Click my link in bio for a comprehensive guide on how to help. If you are in DC, Indiana, Iowa, Maryland, Montana, New Mexico, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Dakota - PLEASE VOTE today!! Together, we are unstoppable. 🖤”
Jennifer Lopez posted in her feed black squares in addition to the message to get out and vote in the primaries. Dakota Johnson wrote, “It is mind bending, horrifying and completely unacceptable that any human being fear for their life or lose their life because of the color of their skin. Enough is enough.” She then added, “Let’s educate ourselves and educate our children. Beyond this week or this year or this lifetime, forever and forever instill knowledge, compassion, equality, and oneness.”
Ahead of Tuesday’s Blackout, celebrities took to the streets in Los Angeles, New York and Miami to join protesters. Camila Cabello and Shawn Mendes stepped out in Miami, where they have been quarantining together, holding up signs and wearing face masks, meanwhile Ariana Grande, Timothée Chalamet and Halsey showed up in L.A.
On her account, the Be Kind singer also shared a carousel of photos and videos of her experience in the protests. “It’s easy from the comfort of your home to watch looting and rioting on television and condone the violent measures being taken by forces,” she wrote. “But what you don’t see is innocent peaceful protesters being shot at and tear gassed and physically assaulted relentlessly.”
She continued, “My father is a black man. My mother is an EMT. This week I had to put those two associations together in ways that have horrified me.”
Like the New Jersey native, many have taken to sharing heartfelt messages. Next to a sweet throwback of himself and his father, Daddy Yankee wrote, “‘Black father, white mother the coolest colors...that’s why I see everyone as a brother.’ That’s how I said it in one of my songs because I’m proud of my roots, of being Latino and of my skin color.”
He continued, “Proud of my grandparents’ heritage given to my father, of which I share with my blood brothers, family members, friends and lots of people I respect. Among them, lots of African Americans whose work I value, and I’ve been blessed to work with. RESPECT! #blacklivesmatter.”