Gerard Way urges fans to continue learning about Black Lives Matter
As the world continues to protest the death of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, Ahmaud Arbery and countless other black citizens at the hands of police, Gerard Way has joined other musicians in coming forward in solidarity with the Black Lives Matter movement.
Like bandmate Frank Iero did earlier this week, the My Chemical Romance frontman acknowledges how his own privilege has allowed him to take time to think of how to properly speak up.
Read more: FEVER 333 demand the music industry do more for Black Lives Matter
Way’s message comes on the same day Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison updated the charges laid against Derek Chauvin from third-degree murder to second-degree murder as well as charging the other three officers involved in Floyd’s death.
In his post, Way pledges to further educate himself and urges his fans to keep discussing internally the ways they can affect change. In doing so, he directs followers to the NAACP Legal Defense Fund for more information or ways to donate.
You can see his full statement below.
I could start by saying I have needed time to think, to explain away the days of silence. ⠀
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I could say there are no words, or that I don’t know how to begin. But not knowing where to begin is a bad way to begin, and days of thinking are a luxury. ⠀
Read more: Artists react to updated charges for police in George Floyd killing
Having the time, and more importantly the safety, to consider one’s words is a privilege for me, along with many other privileges I possess due to the color of my skin. And these are privileges not everyone benefits from. There is not much time to think, surely not days, when the knee is on your neck. When the bullets penetrate, or the tear gas finds its mark. When generations of enabled systematic oppression, and its guardians, work against you. When opportunities are not afforded to you because of who you were born to be. ⠀
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I have always considered myself empathetic, it is one of the reasons I believe I am able to do my job. But in all the pain I have received, I will never begin to know the pain you know. I could never feel the pain you feel. ⠀
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And I am so deeply sorry things have not changed. I cannot begin to understand your experience, but what I can do is stand by you. Continue the internal discussions we are having about ways to affect change in non-performative ways. Meaningful ways beyond this moment, beyond this gesture.⠀
Read more: 10 protest songs meant to bring unity among people fighting for their rights
And this is a moment, like many moments before this and the countless lives lost. I will open my heart, to receive what you have to give— anger, frustration, sadness, but in doing so, I know I will never be able to fully understand it the way you do, and surely not experience it. I can only open up to you, and accept what you have to give.
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Grateful for your kindness, your honesty and the knowledge you have shared that I will further educate myself with. I am, and will remain, inspired by your rage.
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For information or if you are able to donate, this is a great place for that: https://www.naacpldf.org/about-us/
https://www.instagram.com/p/CA_Z_8LJqxL/
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.
