Black Lives Matter: Celebrities taking a stand against racism

Unless you’ve been under a rock lately, you’ve probably heard about the utterly heartbreaking and unnecessary death of George Floyd, yet another black man in America who has died at the hands (or rather, knee) of a white police officer on 25 May 2020.

As the world expresses outrage over the longstanding social injustices against the black community, here’s how some celebrities have been using their social platforms to show their support for the #BlackLivesMatter movement.

Billie Eilish

One of the most controversial posts was from 18-year-old American singer-songwriter, Billie Eilish, who called out anyone who ignorantly continued to say “all lives matter” in response to the movement.

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#justiceforgeorgefloyd #blacklivesmatter

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Ariana Grande

In addition to joining the protests in person, Ariana Grande shared resources on the #BlackLivesMatter movement and how she’s currently understanding her privilege and how to use it to help others.

Adam Lambert

Adam Lambert was appalled by number of “ignorant, right wing and tone deaf” comments in response to his #BlackLivesMatter post and was happy to lose a few followers in the process.

P!nk

P!nk voiced out her support for George Floyd and listed many other victims of racial injustice, noting how ridiculous that a list of names even exists. Heartbroken, she urged her fans to message the DA to bring the officers to justice.

Kylie Jenner

Kylie Jenner broke her silence by posting a quote from Martin Luther King, Jr, saying that remaining silent would be equivalent to betrayal to the black community.

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since watching the most devastating and completely heartbreaking video showing the murder of George Floyd earlier this week I haven’t been able to get his face and his words out of my mind. i’ll never personally experience the pain and fear that many black people around the country go through every day but i know nobody should have to live in fear and nobody deserves a death like George Floyd and too many others. speaking up is long overdue for the rest of us. we’re currently dealing with two horrific pandemics in our country, and we can’t sit back and ignore the fact that racism is one of them. i fear for my daughter and i hope for a better future for her. my heart breaks for George Floyd’s family and friends. Don’t let his name be forgotten. keep sharing, keep watching, keep speaking out, because it’s the only way we can come together to help bring this much needed change and awareness. Rest In Peace, George Floyd. 🕊🤍

A post shared by Kylie 🤍 (@kyliejenner) on

Beyonce

Queen B posted a video to her Instagram and shared a list of different resources to support the #BlackLivesMatter movement, plus a petition to sign in order to demand justice for Floyd.

Dua Lipa

Pop star Dua Lipa shared practical resources for getting involved in the fight for justice, saying “Sign the petition, get on the phone, talk to your family, friends and kids. If you are a business owner, make a public statement of support to your black clients, friends and co-workers. We can be the change. We have to start the conversation in our own circles.”

Cardi B

Rapper Cardi B posted a tribute to George Floyd, saying “Enough is enough!” and “What will it take? A civil war?” Let’s hope it doesn’t come to that.

How to support the #BlackLivesMatter movement from abroad

Credit: @sacree_frangine/Instagram

Educational resources:

Black Lives Matter – the home of the #BlackLivesMatter movement with resources, videos, programs and more

Black Visions Collective – an organisation dedicated to Black liberation and to collective liberation

Donate funds to:

Minnesota Freedom Fund – an organisation that pays criminal bail and immigration bond for those who cannot afford to, with the goal of ending discriminatory, coercive, and oppressive jailing.

George Floyd Memorial Fund – donate directly to George Floyd’s immediate family, including his brother and children

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