BLACK LIVES MATTER

by Alice La

The powerful use of artistic activism has helped turn the Black Lives Movement (BLM) into a global phenomenon, uniting diverse communities under the joint cause of social justice. While it is impossible to fully understand the experience of being an African American living in the US today, other POC (person of color) artists are calling out the inherent racism in their communities and urging others to do the same. Cross-racial solidarity is necessary to create change, and while living in a white-dominant society may have skewed perspectives, it is not difficult to empathize with the unjustified killing of human beings. 

From casually saying the n-word to making racially charged jokes just because you’re among “friends,” the perpetuation of stereotypes is not just a “white problem.” Interminority racism is something that has to be openly confronted, and vocal support from many influential artists has helped spread the realization that silence is not an option.

Producing music inspired by Black culture, K-pop artist Jay Park discusses the lack of accountability for the deaths of innocent, unarmed citizens. “Police departments and people in positions of power not doing anything to provoke change, all of it makes me sick. The whole system is corrupt and nobody wants to admit it because they are all afraid of taking responsibility for countless years of unjust inhumane treatment.” Other K-pop artists have also spread petitions and urged fans to donate to memorial and freedom funds. 

Mexican American artist Becky G expresses her support as an ally, stating “I urge you all to consider who you are offline and what else we can do, to not just place bandaids on gunshot wounds. To those who are not talking about this with friends, family, fans- YOU are part of the systemic problem.”

Now, leaders in the music business are standing together to say that the show must be paused. On Tuesday, June 2nd artists and labels are pausing normal business operations and posting black screens with the hashtag #blackouttuesday to spend a day of silence. According to Jamila Thomas and Brianna Agyemang, the two Black music executives that began the movement, their mission is to “hold the industry at large, including major corporations and their partners who benefit from the efforts, struggles and successes of Black people accountable.” Through this 24 hour initiative, artists everywhere are obliged to take a stand and inspire permanent change.

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To artists: we all have power in this time. Art is inherently political, and those who create art have a responsibility to advance marginalized communities by representing their voices and stories. Even if you aren’t a part of the African American community, we all have the privilege to break through our ideologically contained communities of friends and followers to change beliefs. Protest does not only happen out on the streets or on your Instagram stories, and while activism attempts to create visible change, art effectively moves the heart and soul. We will never be able to know what Floyd would say if he were still standing here today, but through the unique capabilities that artistic platforms provide, voices have been given to the voiceless. Art is the only way to speak out when traumas become too layered and complex, and while it cannot bring back all that has been lost, every memorializing brushstroke brings us closer to the world we want to create. 

We urge you to use your creative talents as an instrument for activism. Many artists are “selling” pieces of their art online in exchange for donations to memorial funds, bail funds, and Black-owned businesses. If you have a skill, consider providing your work in exchange for donations. If not, you can take other actions like watching Zoe Amira’s youtube video featuring art and music from Black creators. It’s an hour-long and produces tons of ad revenue that will be donated to different BLM organizations. During critical moments in history, artists have come together time and time again to heal, inspire, and transform. We are redefining societal norms by first pushing the boundaries of what can be considered as art. From protest signs to the looping of the American hip hop group N.W.A’s “Fuck Tha Police,” the world is inevitably changing.