Music Industry Gathers Together For Blackout Tuesday
Amid protests following the death of George Floyd, many organizations in the music industry are participating today in a Blackout Tuesday, The Chicago Sun Times reported. Companies like TikTok and Live Nation posted today on their social media pages, indicating they are taking part. The Sony label urged on their social media that this is not a day off for their employees, but rather a day to reflect and implement change.
On May 25, 2020 George Floyd was killed by a Minneapolis police officer during a confrontation. Floyd was in handcuffs and on the ground as the officer had his knee to Floyd’s neck for several minutes, resulting in Floyd’s death a short time later. Two autopsies were conducted, both stating the death was a homicide, though differing on the cause of death. The police officer responsible for Floyd’s death was not arrested until three days later, which sparked rioters across the nation demanding justice.
Other music organizations participating include RCA, Epic, and Republic records, Def Jam and Capitol Records. Some are holding off from releasing music. Others are not allowing streaming of music, and some radio companies are canceling broadcast of their programs. Participating organizations are hoping this day of music silence will bring awareness to and implement change in the fight against racism.
USA Today also reported that Federal Prisons are locked down and social media is going dark for Blackout Tuesday.
