Blackout Tuesday explained; The movement is more than just posting black tiles on social media

Actor Kerry Washington, rapper Chance the Rapper and filmmaker Ava DuVernay are taking to their social media accounts to further explain what is “Black Tuesday” and how to effectively be part of it.

Postings of a black box or tile have proliferated on social media on Tuesday after netizens are joining in the movement initiated by Brianna Agyemang and Jamila Thomas, both music executives, in response to the tragic death of black American George Floyd.

It started out as a movement for the music industry wherein no business will be conducted, or shows will be put on pause for a day in an effort to bring about a change in the policies concerning black lives and police brutality.

The movement had caught on, and many are posting black tiles or black boxes on their social media accounts.

However, merely posting black tiles and putting a hashtag of Black Lives Matter is not enough, according to several activists. They say that if you decide to participate in the Blackout Tuesday, then it should be followed by action to make it effective.

Washington, Chance, and DuVernay are suggesting that action would mean educating themselves about racism history in America for more understanding, using their voices to amplify the call of the blacks and voting. These are more effective means of promoting a policy change. And, they should write about these or put information alongside their black tile post.

They also suggested donating to causes dedicated to stopping racism and signing petitions that call for policy changes.

Chance, on his Instagram story, stated that if you just post a black tile and nothing else, you are defeating the purpose of Black Tuesday and not achieving anything. It is akin to just being silent about these issues.

Several other movements have sprung up in protest to the violent death of Floyd instigated by a white police officer, Derek Chauvin, on May 25, 2020, in Minneapolis.

Image credit courtesy of Courtney/Flickr