An added layer of pain that follows the loss of a life at the hands of the police is the wait. It’s that period when we are silent (or vocal), watching social media to see the reactions of those on our timelines and friend lists. We wait to see who will come to bat for the police officer or who will mourn the distant (but not so distant-feeling) lost member of the community. We also wait to see (and keep tabs on) which celebrities and public figures speak out.
When Michael Jordan added his comments on police brutality, many were skeptical. His sentiments came years after the #BlackLivesMatter movement arose and after Trayvon Martin, Tamir Rice, Michael Brown, Freddie Gray and so many others had lost their lives. Some accused him of taking money from the black community through the sales of his Air Jordans without supporting the community during our time of need. Though his move was somewhat controversial, he used his platform as a celebrity and basketball legend to appeal to those who might not be directly connected or understand the reality of the situation.
Beyoncé gracefully nodded at #BlackLivesMatter in the “Formation” music video when she sat on a sinking police car, and in Lemonade when the mothers of Tamir Rice, Mike Brown, Trayvon Martin, Eric Garner and Oscar Grant paid homage to their sons. This was a choice she made, but not one that is necessary for every celebrity.
We don’t necessarily need celebrities to join the #BlackLivesMatter movement. We just need them to be aware of the injustices and speak out about them. On Tuesday afternoon, Chance the Rapper did just that on Twitter as he addressed false reports he would be headlining ESPN’s race forum on responsibility.
Though he won’t be at the forum, he did share his thoughts on the topic.
I saw some publications report that I’ll be at the @espn forum about athletes’ and celebrities’ responsibility to speak on issues. Not true.
— Lil Chano From 79th (@chancetherapper) August 23, 2016
@espn but since I won’t be there let me just say a few thoughts on “responsibility”.
— Lil Chano From 79th (@chancetherapper) August 23, 2016
He emphasized the responsibility the court systems and the media have to the community.
@espn it is the responsibility of our court systems to fully represent & work for The People in all cases of Murder
— Lil Chano From 79th (@chancetherapper) August 23, 2016
@espn it is the responsibility of all media outlets to correctly label all killings by 1st responders as what they are: Murders.
— Lil Chano From 79th (@chancetherapper) August 23, 2016
The Coloring Book rapper also commented on the responsibility of first responders and of athletes and celebrities.
@espn it is the responsibility of all first responders to deescalate unlawful situations and restore peace without committing murder.
— Lil Chano From 79th (@chancetherapper) August 23, 2016
@espn and it is the responsibility of athletes and celebrities to say all that out loud whether at a forum, on twitter or at work.
— Lil Chano From 79th (@chancetherapper) August 23, 2016
Chance’s tweetstorm is indeed a word that needs to be read, re-read and repeated by all of the black celebrities who see themselves as being “exempt” from police brutality because of their fame. If you have a platform and the power to influence, why not use it for good?
What are your thoughts on the responsibilities of celebrities regarding these issues? Let us know in the comments below!
