The death of George Floyd on Memorial day 26th May 2020 caused widespread revulsion at the nature of the murder caught on camera. Various stars continue to speak out against the tragic event, and 6 days later – protests are being held across America and around the world.
Lebron James
“Why Doesn’t America Love US!!!!!????TOO. Loudly crying faceLoudly crying face🤦🏾♂️🤦🏾♂️ #HeadHighandStayStrong🙏🏾💪🏾 #WeAllWeGot✊🏾Crown
The ending has me in tears!!! Literally Loudly crying face. his isn’t ok the way we’re treated man! I’m so hurtful for my people right this moment.”
Lewis Hamilton
World champion Lewis Hamilton criticised the “biggest of stars” in “white-dominated” Formula One for failing to speak out against racism as protests erupted around the United States.
The Mercedes driver warned “I know who you are and I see you” as he accused his fellow drivers of “staying silent” after the death of George Floyd, an unarmed black man during his arrest in Minneapolis.
The videotaped incident has triggered unrest in several cities and led to an outpouring of condemnation from top athletes including Michael Jordan and Serena Williams.
“I see those of you who are staying silent, some of you the biggest of stars yet you stay silent in the midst of injustice,” Hamilton wrote on Instagram.
“Not a sign from anybody in my industry, which of course is a white-dominated sport. I’m one of the only people of colour there yet I stand alone.
“I would have thought by now you would see why this happens and say something about it but you can’t stand alongside us. Just know I know who you are and I see you.”
Hamilton, the six-time world champion, said he supported only peaceful protesters, not those who had looted stores and set fire to buildings.
But he added: “There can be no peace until our so-called leaders make change. This is not just America, this is the UK, this is Spain, this is Italy and all over.
“The way minorities are treated has to change, how you educate those in your country of equality, racism, classism and that we are all the same.
“We are not born with racism and hate in our hearts; it is taught by those we look up to.”
Marcus Thuram
French footballer Marcus Thuram and England international Jadon Sancho both called for justice for Floyd after scoring in Germany’s Bundesliga.
After scoring a goal today in the Bundesliga- Frenchman, Marcus Thuram, took a knee on the field. A symbolic and powerful reminder racism is a global issue as well as domestic. We must be better – actions speak louder than words Fisted handEarth globe europe-africa
Gabrielle Union
Gabrielle Union said “Yessssssssss!!!! Resist!!!”
on a tweet from @berniebromanny
The NYPD is using a bus to transfer arrested protesters at the Barclays Center.
However the bus driver refused to drive it.
“So much that I’ve witnessed & experienced shouldve prepared me to watch this. I just broke. They want us to feel powerless, hopeless, terrorized forever. They expect 2 be free from consequences & accountability becuz, ya know, facts/history & what we see daily. Its all connected”
To a video story depicting…
“Terrifying moments for a young Black man and his family in Texas, as numerous cops point guns on him and then assault his 90-year-old grandmother.
His alleged offense: rolling through a stop sign.
Michael Jordan
Basketball legend Jordan joined a chorus of voices from the NBA, NFL and other US sports demanding change for black Americans, but the calls weren’t limited to the United States.
Former NBA star Michael Jordan said in a statement that he is “deeply saddened, truly pained and plain angry”.
“I stand with those who are calling out the ingrained racism and violence toward people of color in our country. We have had enough,” Jordan said. “Everyone of us needs to be part of the solution, and we must work together to ensure justice for all.”
Noel Clarke
Noel Clarke says racism is ‘embedded in fabric of British society’ and UK film industry
Kidulthood creator also indicated he had been deliberately left off the poster for British comedy film ‘Fisherman’s Friends’
Noel Clarke has said that racism is just as embedded in the UK as it is in the USA, and that he has been silenced by individuals in the film industry for speaking up about it.
Amid widespread US outcry and protest over the killing of George Floyd, a Minneapolis man pinned to the ground and knelt on by a white police officer, Clarke reminded his followers that such incidents are not exclusive to the US.
“People on here acting like this is just a US problem,” he tweeted. “Racism is prevalent here too. Embedded in the fabric of society, the industry I’m in. Sometimes it’s hard to keep fighting, when whenever you speak up, you’re silenced or labelled as aggressive, difficult or ‘Chippy’.”
Clarke wrote that his smash hit Sky One series Bulletproof struggled to get off the ground because it was written to be headlined by two black actors – him and Ashley Walters.
“Just remember nobody wanted Bulletproof, we were told Bulletproof would never work or sell with two BLACK leads. NEVER. Look now.”
Ashley Walters
Ashley said through tears -“There are no words to express how that shit makes us feel with what is going on in America with this George Floyd Situation. It is devastating and terrible.
I have been fighting this thing all of my life. I have been stabbed and left for dead on the streets by white men – who have never been brought to justice. And that was only one incident. This is not time to be turning each other at a time like this ”
These were Ashley’s words on video in response to people saying he was complicit because he had not posted a comment on the police killing and protests. He said he has been bullied and held back by white people in his career but he persevered and has blazed a trail for young new actors now. From roles in Grange Hill, Top Boy, Dr Who, Holby City, The Bill through to Bullet Proof and more, Ashley is a British acting success. But the pain of racism is still tangibly obvious.
The superhuman strength of character that black stars have to bear cannot be underestimated. They should be lauded as kings and queens, for to come through racism and rejection to rise to the top is no mean feat.
But note from the pain of Lebron above and the words of Lewis Hamilton and Dr Dre. Seeing a brother or sister suffer racist attacks makes them suffer too. It’s an emotional suffering. It is as if we want to ask the question – what more do we have to do to prove we are worthy of love, respect and equal treatment?
