John Boyega Star Wars
[Photo via Disney]

'Star Wars' lead John Boyega isn't afraid to lose his career for protesting

As protests over the killing of George Floyd make their way across the globe, Star Wars actor John Boyega is joining the Black Lives Matter movement in London and says he doesn’t care if he loses his career for doing so.

Protests in London have been happening since the weekend and Boyega joined the crowd in Hyde Park today in solidarity.

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Beyond protests taking place in all 50 states, they are also happening in places like Toronto, Vancouver, Montreal, London, Rio de Janerio and countless other cities.

In London, thousands are taking to the street speaking out in support of black victims of police violence.

The crowd began marching from Hyde Park to Parliament Square as people are chanting “No justice, no peace, no racist police” and “I can’t breathe” among other things.

Footage of Boyega making an impassioned speech is going around where he explains he isn’t sure if he’ll lose career opportunities by doing so but is taking a stance anyway.

“Black lives have always mattered,” Boyega said during the protest. “We have always been important. We have always meant something. We have always succeeded regardless. And now is the time. I ain’t waiting. I ain’t waiting.”

“I’m speaking to you from my heart. Look, I don’t know if I’m going to have a career after this, but f**k that. Today is about innocent people who were halfway through their process.”

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“Every black person understands and realizes the first time you are reminded that you are black,” he continues. “You remember. Every black person in here remembers when another person reminded you that you were black.”

“It is very, very important that we keep control of this movement, and we make this as peaceful as possible,” he added. “They want us to mess up.”

Others in the entertainment industry have similarly stated they aren’t concerned what happens to their career prospects for speaking out about the Black Lives Matter movement.

UPDATE: 

The official Star Wars social media account has shared their support of Boyega. They’ve also shared a video of his full speech which you can see below.

Read More: Musicians join George Floyd protests in support of Black Lives Matter

If you’re looking for ways to donate and show support to the Black Lives Matter movement as well as the protesters involved, there are many ways you can do so.

The Minnesota Freedom Fund was previously looking for donations but asked for a pause on donations on June 2. They are directing people looking to help to Reclaim the Block’s list of organizations that could use support at this time. You can head here to see that list and show your support.

To show support through donations, connect with grassroots campaigns and obtain resources for allies, please refer to the links below.

Help the family of George Floyd here.
Fight for Breonna Taylor here.
Help the family of Ahmaud Arbery here.
To sign petitions for George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, Ahmaud Arbery and more, click here.
Donate to one or more community bail funds for protesters here.
Click here for more resources for protestors including pro-bono lawyers.
Visit Movement For Black Lives for additional ways you can help the cause.
Click here to connect with leaders building grassroots campaigns.
Here are some anti-racism resources for allies who want to learn more.
For other ways to donate, please head here.