“I am tired of seeing injustices in this world continue to go unresolved today, and I am calling for change”
Tolu Duckworth and fellow creators are using their platforms to support the Black Lives Matter movement, and to encourage viewers to take an active stand against racism. The discussion comes following the death of George Floyd who was killed by a police officer placing his knee on George’s neck.
Tolu’s video begins with her expressing how as a black woman, she is tired of seeing violent deaths of her peers on social media. She highlights how it is no longer enough to be neutral and that people should take active measures to be anti-racist, sharing that “being silent in times of injustice makes it clear to us that you have chosen the side of the oppressor”.
Next up, Tolu outlines ways in which people can support the Black Lives Matter movement. This includes donating to charities and signing petitions, as well as learning more about the issue and being open to important discussions of race. She includes a range of online resources to allow viewers to participate in the Black Lives Matter movement and donate to relevant causes.
Tolu has also taken part in a livestream with Eve Bennett discussing more about the movement and how people can contribute.
The increased media attention surrounding the Black Lives Matter movement has prompted more creators to use their platforms to discuss issues of racism. Taylor Behnke uploaded a video to her YouTube channel ItsRadishTime, in which she discusses the issue of white privilege, and the fact that white people have the luxury of being able to step away from the headlines. Taylor says “I don’t get to step away from what my body looks like”, and highlights that campaigns such as Black Girl Magic and Black Boy Joy represent “black people trying to claim the ability to have lightness”.
Taylor encourages everyone to think about the black people that they love, and offers ways to show support in the coming weeks and months.
The death of George Floyd is not the first of its kind, and has served as a catalyst to raise awareness of the Black Lives Matter movement which has been ongoing for many years. Nego True shared a thought provoking poem to his YouTube channel with the hashtag #JusticeForGeorgeFloyd in which he discusses how the police have prioritised themselves, and questions the integrity of the justice system.
Nego encourages viewers to speak up against the injustice that black people continue to face in society. He explains that he is disappointed in himself for asking if he should speak, and includes references to important resources and information to help combat racism.
These are very powerful videos which allow us to understand the issue of racism from new perspectives, and over time we may begin to see more creators using their platforms to discuss important issues in the modern world.
All money made through advertising on our website today and throughout June will be donated to Black Lives Matter charity funds. To find out how you can help, by signing petitions, donating, or sharing education, see the Black Lives Matter Carrd.
