BLACK OUT TUESDAY
Following the killing of George Floyd, the music industry has pledged to join the grassroots campaign to make June 2nd "Black Out Tuesday."
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What the Music Industry Can Do to Show Solidarity on Blackout Tuesday, by #TheShowMustBePaused
BY JEM ASWAD
The call for Blackout Tuesday — in which the music industry will basically stop everyday operations to protest police violence against the black community — rose so quickly over the weekend that many people are uncertain what the day is intended to accomplish.
#TheShowMustBePaused, an initiative created by Atlantic Records exec Jamila Thomas and Platoon’s Brianna Agyemang, has posted several calls to action listed below, including a reading list called “Anti-Racism Resources.“
“Tuesday, June 2nd is meant to intentionally disrupt the workweek,” they wrote. “The music industry is a multi-billion dollar industry. An industry that has profited predominantly from Black art. Our mission is to hold the industry at large, including major corporations + their partners who benefit from the efforts, struggles, and successes of Black people accountable. … This is not just a 24-hour initiative. We are and will be in this fight for the long haul. A plan of action will be announced.”
In the meantime, the organization recommends:
If you have been impacted by the recent events, take a break – there is a lot going on and sometimes we all just need a minute. Take that minute.
Help the family of George Floyd HERE.
Fight for Breonna Taylor HERE.
Help the family of Ahmaud Arbery HERE.
Want to help protesters? Donate to one or more community bail funds HERE.
Visit Movement For Black Lives for additional ways you can help the cause.
Want to connect with leaders building grassroots campaigns? Click HERE.
Are you an ally and want to learn more? Here are some anti-racism resources.
As the movement picked up momentum, more music companies jumped on board followed by talent agencies. On Monday morning, APA chief executive Jim Gosnell sent a message to its employees that the firm” will observe ‘Blackout Tuesday’ as a day of reflection and meaningful action in support of our colleagues, families, friends, clients, and global community in the fight for racial justice.” The memo included the hashtag #THESHOWMUSTBEPAUSED and quoted APA’s first-ever client, Harry Belafonte: “Each and every one of you has the power, the will and capacity to make a difference in the world in which you live.”
AN IMPORTANT NOTE FROM THE COLORED GIRL:
ALSO, REMEMBER WHEN POSTING USE THE HASHTAG #BLACKOUTTUESDAY & #THESHOWMUSTBEPAUSED. DO NOT USE #BLM OR #BLACKLIVESMATTER - SO WE CAN CONTINUE TO SEE IMPORTANT POSTS & INFO IN REAL-TIME ONLINE.
REFERENCE: VARIETY