With protests erupting around the world in response to the untimely death of George Floyd, the recording industry chooses to seek change through earnest actions and silence.
Blackout Tuesday is more than a movement, it’s a message.
What was initially introduced as a call of action to warrant accountability from industry execs and companies that have profited predominantly from Black art, has since become a tale of inquisition. Activists and influencers alike are voicing their opinions on the state of the culture as it pertains to raising awareness on the Black Lives Matter movement. Protesters are still mobilizing around the country. Agencies of authority are sweeping residents into their respective homes by way of regulated observation and intimidation tactics. During times of such uncertainty and angst, a calming agent isn’t sufficient – the people want results.
Photo Credit – Courtesy of Shirien Damra
Music has remained the one constant variable of change that can inspire, influence and unite many.
The Blackout initiative gained significant traction over the course of the weekend, having major record labels like Columbia, Def Jam, Interscope and Republic Records publicizing their participation via social media. Moreover, labels like EMPIRE have decided to use their platform to help shed light on the “voices of those who have gone unheard and unanswered for far too long” as mentioned in a captioned post via Instagram – providing viewers with a concise overview of different local and national bail/legal funds that are currently accepting donations.
While other companies like Spotify are supporting initiatives by matching donations to groups that campaign for social justice, NYC Crisis Management Co-Founder and LIFE Camp Founder/President Erica Ford is recruiting thought-leaders and bellwethers of change from across the nation to come together for a 24-hour Instagram Live fundraiser on Wednesday, June 3rd, starting at 6AM EST.
LIFE Camp will feature shared conversations throughout the day on IG LIVE and Facebook LIVE with artists, athletes, activists, actors, executives and more. Participants include, Jada Pinkett Smith, Deepak Chopra, Michael K. Williams, Queen Afua, Julianne Moore, Angie Martinez, The-Dream, Jidenna and Pastor Michael McBride to name a few. June is reserved for Gun Violence Awareness Month and organizations like LIFE Camp and NYC Crisis Management system are agencies of resourcefulness that help champion minority advancement.
“We’re all traumatized. First COVID-19 devastated Black & Brown families with the death of so many matriarchs and patriarchs: the heads of households, the pillars in our communities. Followed by the cancellation of crucial funding for Summer Youth Employment – a lifeline for young people“, says Erica. “Then George Floyd’s cold blooded murder: ‘I can’t breathe.’ Breonna Taylor. Dominique Clayton. Atatiana Jefferson. Ahmaud Aubrey. We’re calling on the world to lead with love. We need to end racism. It’s too much. We can’t breathe. Our young people are hurt. We are traumatized. We need structural change. And we need to heal,” she continues.
While some people may feel as though a blank, black square with a bunch of tags “clogs up critical channels of information and updates” with regard to visibility – others see the power that arises from amassing strength in numbers, making a deliberate attempt to promote civic engagement with a unified message.
To donate or learn more about Erica Ford’s 24-Hour Instagram LIVE for Peace, be sure to visit peaceisalifestyle.com
https://www.instagram.com/p/CA7wxO4ljXu/?igshid=1qn872eqkk1xo
