Musicians join George Floyd protests in support of Black Lives Matter
Since the tragic death of George Floyd at the hands of Minneapolis police officers, a large number of protests have occurred not just across the United States, but other parts of the world as well. A number of artists have put their words into actions and have taken to helping out on the front lines of the protests.
Halsey, Machine Gun Kelly, YUNGBLUD, Sebastian Danzig and Emerson Barrett of Palaye Royale, Vic Mensa, Mod Sun, FEVER 333‘s Jason Aalon Butler and more took to the streets in solidarity with Black Lives Matter and to affect positive change in the nation.
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George Floyd was tragically killed by police after one of the four police officers involved in his arrest knelt on his neck in an incident caught on video. His death happened on May 25, and what started as words on social media has turned into fundraisers raising tens of millions of dollars and large scale protests around the country in cities like Los Angeles, CA, New York City, Orlando, FL and Washington, DC.
Halsey, Machine Gun Kelly, Mod Sun, YUNGBLUD, Issues‘ Skyler Acord and others joined the protests. They know they can use their image, their voices and their power to increase the reach and visibility of the movement. See what some of them experienced on the frontlines of the protests below.
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Halsey
Following George Floyd’s murder, Halsey was very vocal, urging other artists to use their platforms to speak up about the atrocity regarding George Floyd. Over the weekend, Halsey was out in the streets with everyone else.
Santa Monica I’m here I have medical supplies lots of it. They are masking.
— h (@halsey) May 31, 2020
I dont know how to articulate the horrors of today. NG + officers firing rounds into kneeling crowds. We dont have enough medics on the ground on our side. I was treating injuries I am not qualified to. So much blood spilled. If you have med training pls go + standby outskirts.
— h (@halsey) June 1, 2020
WHO ARE YOU PROTECTING? pic.twitter.com/o9LtDZRknG
— h (@halsey) June 1, 2020
WHO ARE YOU PROTECTING?? pic.twitter.com/Pc306OCiKO
— h (@halsey) June 1, 2020
fired rubber bullets at us. we did not breach the line. hands were up. unmoving. and they gassed and fired. pic.twitter.com/K8YauF0APn
— h (@halsey) May 31, 2020
Read More: Musicians react following the death of George Floyd in police custody
do not underplay these rubber bullets bc you have been told they are “not lethal”. I had to bandage a man who looked like his entire face had exploded today. So before you say, from the comfort of your home, that we’re exaggerating, please consider the injuries some have suffered
— h (@halsey) June 1, 2020
Alcohol, disinfectant, gauze for excessive bleeding, non stick gauze pads and medical tape, eye pads, butterfly bandages, cold packs, neosporin, bandage scissors, tweezers and ace bandages. https://t.co/p7UAuq5f8e
— h (@halsey) June 1, 2020
halsey is doing incredible & that should be noted.
not for press. not for attention, not with a group of body guards. on the frontline. helping injured people.
THIS is how to use the platform your fans give you for good. if you are given a platform, it’s for a reason. use it. https://t.co/CVFbglpvHN
— elijah daniel (@elijahdaniel) June 1, 2020
halsey’s words and that should be everyone’s words: GET INVOLVED. DO SOMETHING! pic.twitter.com/J6umFQgu2q
— ruby (@17MINUTESX) May 31, 2020
YUNGBLUD
they will fight with violence, we will fight with our words, unity and peace. and we will win. 🖤 #BlackLivesMatter pic.twitter.com/xOQxZN715w
— YUNGBLUD is a lowlife (@yungblud) June 1, 2020
do everything you can to keep this movement alive. keep talking, keep peacefully protesting, keep changing opinions. be on the true, right, side of history. fight for the good in this world.
— YUNGBLUD is a lowlife (@yungblud) June 1, 2020
i need to say @halsey u were incredible today. u acted fearlessly and selflessly. u were so brave and inspirational. when innocent people were unlawfully wounded, u were there with a medical kit bandaging them up. u didn’t think about yourself for one moment. i am proud to know u
— YUNGBLUD is a lowlife (@yungblud) June 1, 2020
Machine Gun Kelly
justice soon…❤️✊?✊?✊? pic.twitter.com/99Teskw5eV
— ??♂️ Blonde Don (@machinegunkelly) May 30, 2020
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Palaye Royale
Hands up don’t shoot. #BlackLivesMatter pic.twitter.com/jm5cETQeV4
— Sebastian Danzig (@SebastianDanzig) May 31, 2020
Peaceful protest. #BlackLivesMatter pic.twitter.com/BiLwSs3ePf
— Sebastian Danzig (@SebastianDanzig) May 31, 2020
When it was peaceful ❤️✌️ #JusticeForGeorgeFloyd pic.twitter.com/k3SGjCe1Dq
— VOID (@EmersonBarrett) June 1, 2020
https://twitter.com/EmersonBarrett/status/1267265744087076864
We will do this everyday until we see justice #BlackLivesMatter pic.twitter.com/Wd05zn8F3a
— Emerson Barrett (@EmersonBarrett) June 1, 2020
Lights
Vancouver 🧡 distanced as best we could (ppl handed out masks and sanny) and left chalk messages on walls. powerful times
gotta isolate for a bit now but moments like these don’t wait for the right day pic.twitter.com/oIShUTj9Z0
— Lights (@lights) June 1, 2020
Mod Sun
I saw so much compassion in Santa Monica today. So many selfless people in the streets fighting for what’s right.
Do not be silent right now. We want justice.
— STAY AWAY OUT NOW! (@MODSUN) June 1, 2020
https://www.instagram.com/p/CA1EaObgMDP/?igshid=4qfjbo9h1m8y
Vic Mensa
https://www.instagram.com/p/CA3lBxXFpHI/?igshid=7vigd0vzid0h
FEVER 333/Jason Aalon Butler
FEVER 333’s Jason Aalon Butler documented some of the aftermath of the riots showcasing people helping to clean up the community.
Skyler Acord/Issues
https://twitter.com/Skyduck64/status/1266832712465342467
Read More: Halsey urges celebrities to stop staying silent about George Floyd
The Minnesota Freedom Fund has already raised close to $20 million and helps cover the legal costs of low-income individuals arrested for low-level charges. If you are willing and able to donate, you may do so here.
If you would like to donate to the George Floyd Memorial Fund which is to cover all funeral and burial costs, court costs, grief counseling, travel and lodging costs of Floyd’s family and for the care and education of George Floyd’s children, you may do so here.
The post below details other funds you can donate to to help end racial injustice.
https://www.instagram.com/p/CA4o-JeBhrj/
For others ways to donate, please head here. For anti-racism resources, head here. A detailed list of resources and links is below.
To sign petitions for George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, Ahmaud Arbery and more.
To text or call the District Attorney and Minneapolis Mayor.
To donate to victims, protesters, black-owned businesses and more.
For anti-racism sites, Black Lives Matter, Mental Health and other educational resources.
