Yesterday (June 2), the global music industry observed Black Out Tuesday.
The initiative – which was set up by Atlantic senior director of marketing Jamila Thomas and Brianna Agyemang, former Atlantic exec and now senior artist campaign manager at Platoon – asked for people not to conduct in any business and instead observe a day of reflection and community engagement following the death of George Floyd in Minneapolis.
Music Week fully supported this industry-wide act of solidarity with the black community and did not report on the business throughout June 2. Among the other companies joining the Black Out initiative were: Warner Music Group, Universal Music Group, Sony Music, Live Nation, AEG Presents, UTA, CAA, Paradigm, DHP Family, Kobalt and Dirty Hit.
But while business may not have been conducted, many prominent voices across the music industry took to social media to share their reflections on racism and the music industry.
You can read a selection of the reflections and observations below:
“You cannot enjoy the rhythm and ignore the blues”
— BBC Radio 1 (@BBCR1) June 2, 2020
This is incredibly powerful from @claraamfo on the death of George Floyd, racism and its effect on her own mental health. pic.twitter.com/qxHrvKfn0e
To my fellow respected industry partners and execs- no one profits off of black music more than the labels and streaming services. I gave yesterday and I urge you to go big and public with yours this week. It would mean the world to me and the community if you can join us pic.twitter.com/tWzHMacnu5
— The Weeknd (@theweeknd) June 2, 2020
Music industry blackout Tuesday...now would be a great time to start supporting black female artists pls ???? put that on the agenda
— Ray BLK ???? (@RayBLK_) June 1, 2020
???????????? pic.twitter.com/3SVm59AMgd
— Dotty (@AmplifyDot) June 1, 2020
Companies happily posting ?'s. Find the black faces to match your black squares! Not no tokenism, put effort into finding the good ones, if it's the best for your businesses. Finding them is hard.....and thats just part of the problem.
— TwinTings (@TwinTings) June 2, 2020
#TheShowMustBePaused #BlackLivesMatter pic.twitter.com/grEA8Bi7U9
— mistajam (@mistajam) June 2, 2020
Today we will be pressing pause in honour of #BlackOutTuesday.
— MOBO (@MOBOAwards) June 2, 2020
We encourage everyone to take this time of silence to stay informed on how you can take ACTION, use your VOICE and make a DIFFERENCE #BlackLivesMatter #TheShowMustBePaused ????????? pic.twitter.com/xswux1HbYp
I hope today is the start of something good ????????♥?
— JinJin Official (@jinjinofficial) June 2, 2020
#blackouttuesday ????????? pic.twitter.com/c0Hz31o5JR
— Jamal Edwards MBE, MBA (@jamaledwards) June 2, 2020
Apple Music showing brands how to take a stand????? big up the entire team there.
— Austin (@AustinDarbo) June 2, 2020
Before I switch off from this day, I am already riled, I’ve been so SICK of being the only black person in many of these industry rooms, especially the oh so benevolent independent sector, and having white men and women explain to ME what discrimination is, how to change it
— michelle, the tyra banks whistleblower (@michelle_amaria) June 2, 2020
Black squares are great and all, but what actual changes are posters going to make in their daily lives? Will they do something, or learn something? Or is this just the 2020 version of the ice bucket challenge?
— Hannah J Davies (@hannahjdavies) June 2, 2020
Stand for something or fall for anything #blackouttuesday #theshowmustbepaused ?????????????
— #TCWE2 (@MsBanks) June 2, 2020
#BlackOutTuesday don’t sit silent. make a change. call out racism wherever you see it. we can make this world better ???? pic.twitter.com/UwQdELEG81
— KAMILLE (@KamilleXX) June 2, 2020
The thing i dont get about the music and other industries is WTF they even think this is? Yall destroy black lives daily, you rob and pillage black creatives, black ideas, black customs and u pay slave wages. TODAY SHOULD BE A DAY ABOUT RESTRUCTURING, YALL ALREADY B QUIET. ACT
— angel haze, barz 4 days (@AngelHaze) June 2, 2020
in no way is today about ‘not sharing info’ or blacking out social media..
— parris. (@ParrisOH) June 2, 2020
keep sharing vital info!!
today is about NOT WORKING as a black employee/contributor to music & demanding change from the institutions we work for, to be actioned long term.
work is being done!
This has been going on for nearly two weeks and some peeps haven’t said one thing. That ain’t a good look. When you’ve got a big platform, these are the times it’s the most valuable.
— Joseph JP Patterson (@Jpizzledizzle) June 2, 2020
On Tuesday, June 2nd, Apple Music will observe Black Out Tuesday. We will use this day to reflect and plan actions to support Black artists, Black creators, and Black communities. #TheShowMustBePaused #BlackLivesMatter pic.twitter.com/xkvn31DpYc
— Apple Music (@AppleMusic) June 2, 2020
The official #TheShowMustBePaused website recommended a number of actions/resources to consider. You can read them below:
-
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 grass roots campaigns? Click HERE.
-
Are you an ally and want to learn more? Here are some anti-racism resources.
