A message from AUDIBLWAV: Our hearts go out to those who have fought and continue to fight racism every single day. AUDIBLWAV is all about creating content that helps everyone move forward together. The continued racism and prejudice that people of color are subject to every day is unjust, and in no way should it be tolerated or ignored. Rest in peace to George Floyd, Ahmaud Arbery, and the other black men, women, and children who have lost their lives due to police brutality and racism. You can donate to the Justice for George Floyd fund here.
The United States of America has been in a state of turmoil for the past week, with the murder of George Floyd, a 46-year-old African American man, by Derek Chauvin, a white Minneapolis police officer. Floyd’s death has sparked protests, riots, and other various actions all across the country, with the people of America showing that they are tired of the racial injustice that people of color deal with each day. Not only are everyday American citizens speaking out against racial injustice, but creatives and celebrities are giving voice as well.
Drake and The Weeknd donated a vast sum of money to Black Lives Matter efforts, with Drake donating $100,000 and The Weeknd donating $500,000. Celebrities have also been matching each other in $50 donations, receiving criticism for the “small” amount. Yet, some of this criticism has been inaccurate–fashion designer Virgil Abloh revealed that he donated $20,500 to Black Lives Matter efforts in private, only choosing to publicize the $50 donation.
While the more fortunate use their wealth to help fight against racial injustice, other creatives have been using their resources to speak out. Photographer and graphic designer Jaden Duenas, one of AUDIBLWAV’s own, has created art promoting justice for George Floyd that’s free to use. He has encouraged everyone to put the images on shirts, signs, and use them in protests. Duenas also organized a webpage directory for small businesses that have been impacted by the riots and protests in the Chicagoland area. When addressing the riots in Chicago and his web page directory, he said “Property and businesses can be rebuilt and replaced. Human lives can not. So as we work on protecting human lives, let’s also work on rebuilding for the vulnerable people who have been hit by all of this.”
Even creatives and corporations alike have been using their platforms to speak out against racial injustice. Companies such as Bratz, Hypebeast, and Complex have all used their massive platforms to speak out, releasing statements and donating to various Black Lives Matter efforts. They have definitely set an example for smaller businesses that are following in their advocate footsteps.
On June 2nd, a majority of social media users also spoke out by participating in Blackout Tuesday. On the declared date, users only posted examples of taking action and spreading awareness, supporting black artists around them and denouncing the racist actions that plague our society.
There have been plenty of people who continue to fight for black lives and against racial injustice, but there have also been people who are unsure of how to help. Some ways you are able to help include donating to the Justice for George Floyd Fund, as well as others supporting Black Lives Matter efforts. You can also support the people of color all around you. This includes creatives, blue-collar workers, artists, and everything in between. One of the most important ways you can help is by simply using your voice to speak out against the racial injustices that are present in society.
Regardless of whether you are able to donate money or not, everyone has a voice that they should use to fight against the injustices and brutalities people of color in the United States of America face on a daily basis. I urge them to use that voice as a black man in America who is tired of dealing with racism every waking moment of my life.