What the Music Industry Can Do to Show Solidarity on Blackout Tuesday, by #TheShowMustBePaused

Jem Aswad
·3 min read

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Updated: The call for Blackout Tuesday — in which the music industry will basically stop everyday operations to protest police violence against the black community — rose so quickly over the weekend that many people are uncertain what the day is intended to accomplish.

#TheShowMustBePaused, an initiative created by Atlantic Records exec Jamila Thomas and Platoon’s Brianna Agyemang, has posted several calls to action listed below, including a reading list called “Anti-Racism Resources.”

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“Tuesday, June 2 nd is meant to intentionally disrupt the work week,” they wrote. “The music industry is a multi-billion dollar industry. An industry that has profited predominatnly from Black art. Our mission is to hold the industry at large, including major corporations + their partners who benefit from the efforts, struggles and successes of Black people accountable. … This is not just a 24-hour initiative. We are and will be in this fight for the long haul. A plan of action will be announced.”

Read their full message here.

In the meantime, the organization recommends:

  • If you have been impacted by the recent events, take a break – there is a lot going on and sometimes we all just need a minute. Take that minute.

  • Help the family of George Floyd HERE.

  • Fight for Breonna Taylor HERE.

  • Help the family of Ahmaud Arbery HERE.

  • Want to help protesters? Donate to one or more community bail funds HERE.

  • Visit Movement For Black Lives for additional ways you can help the cause.

  • Want to connect with leaders building grass roots campaigns? Click HERE.

  • Are you an ally and want to learn more? Here are some anti-racism resources.

As the movement picked up momentum, more music companies jumped on board followed by talent agencies. On Monday morning, APA chief executive Jim Gosnell sent a message to its employees that the firm” will observe ‘Blackout Tuesday’ as a day of reflection and meaningful action in support of our colleagues, families, friends, clients and global community in the fight for racial justice.” The memo included the hashtag #THESHOWMUSTBEPAUSED and quoted APA’s first-ever client, Harry Belafonte: “Each and every one of you has the power, the will and capacity to make a difference in the world in which you live.”

Others, like Ariana Grande and Justin Bieber manager Scooter Braun, are calling on peers to not only particate in Tuesday’s demonstration, but to come back on Wednesday with real efforts and solutions. Watch his video message below:

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