The music industry is staging its own silent strike after George Floyd was killed by a police officer kneeling on his neck while being placed under arrest in Minnesota last week, by declaring Tuesday 2 June “as a day to disconnect from work and reconnect with our community”.

A post that’s been widely shared on Instagram reads, “Due to recent events, please join us as we take an urgent step of action to provoke accountability and change. As gatekeepers of the culture, it’s our responsibility to not only come together to celebrate the wins, but also hold each other up during a loss.”

“It’s time to deal with it once and for all. My team and I stand for justice. Conversations will be had and action will be taken”

Using the powerful hashtag #theshowmustbepaused, global names including award-winning record producer, multi-instrumentalist, songwriter, and composer Quincy Jones, rapper Eminem, and Rolling Stones’ rocker Mick Jagger have vowed to stay silent “to combat racial discrimination and social injustice”. Quincy reflected, “It’s hard to know what to say because I’ve been dealing with racism my entire life. That said, it’s rearing its ugly head right now and it’s time to deal with it once and for all. My team and I stand for justice. Conversations will be had and action will be taken.”

Many record labels and fashion brands have been criticised for sharing messages of solidarity without real and meaningful action such offering their legal teams to help reform laws that maintain the oppression of minorities, however Interscope Geffen A&M has pledged to post bail for those fighting for their voices to be heard, and assist charities striving for the economic empowerment of the black community.

“If you’re someone who chooses to enjoy our culture, you should also support it”

Grazia Girl Gang Ambassador for Music Megatronic will also be participating in Blackout Tuesday and tells us, “There are nearly 2 billion people of colour in this world. If you’re someone who chooses to enjoy our culture, you should also support it. The world is a place built on the design of love not hate.”

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