"Black Out Tuesday": The Music Industry Stands With George Floyd And Houston Will March

The nation is on fire. With the brutal killing of George Floyd, a Houstonian who had relocated to Minneapolis, the issue of racism is once again front and center. Following his tragic death at the hands of police officers, demonstrations and riots have ensued in more than 100 cities worldwide in an effort to bring awareness to and end police brutality, racism and institutionalized racism.

The music industry is stepping up and has launched “Black Out Tuesday” taking place Tuesday, June 2. The message began circulating over the weekend with the intention to take a “day to disconnect from work and reconnect with our community.”

Major music industry names from Sony to Warner have joined their names to the long list of participants in “Black Out Tuesday” using the hashtag #theshowmustbepaused to spread their message and gain support.  Employees and individual artists have also stepped up to take the day educating themselves, helping to create dialogue among others and contributing to legal fees and representation for protesters who were arrested.

It will be a rare day with no new releases, no promos and no live streams for those participating as they agree to spend the day finding ways to work towards unity, a rare instance where silence will be powerful.

As the participants go quiet, it would be impressive to see more white artists join in the movement and use their voice, not only to join “Black Out Tuesday” but also to speak to their fan bases about what is going on in the world and where they stand in the struggle against racism.

To say that the music industry, like so many others, owes everything to black artists would be an understatement. Where would rock and roll be without all of the great artists of color who created its sound? There would be no blues without African Americans, and the list goes on.

Floyd himself was raised in Houston’s own Third Ward and was a member of the cities legendary Screwed Up Click, changing the sound of rap music forever with their chopped and syrupy sound. 

It will be interesting to see what the music industry does with this day to reconnect but here in Houston there is already a plan for a march to City Hall led by Floyd’s family starting at 3 pm at Discovery Green Tuesday.

Houston rappers Trae Tha Truth and Bun B, who both traveled to Minneapolis to support protesters there, have been using their platform to spread word of the march and encourage everyone to come out, be peaceful and push fear aside.

For individuals who wish to educate themselves, add to the dialogue or contribute to a cause they can turn to Color Of Change, Black Visions Collective, Black Lives Matter and the George Floyd Memorial Fund.