#BlackoutTuesday is taking Instagram by storm as celebrities, major brands, and individual users collectively post solid black squares to signify their solidarity against racism following the death of George Floyd, an unarmed black man who was killed by Minneapolis police. The digital movement, which was originally started by the music and entertainment industry, is intended as a “day to disconnect from work and reconnect with our community” and to explore strategies to stop social and racial injustices. Celebrities such as Bryan Cranston, Rihanna, Drake, Katy Perry, Kylie Jenner and more have gone dark on Instagram to spread awareness and enact change.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

I make a good living using my imagination. But I can’t possibly imagine, with any real honesty, what it must be like for a black person living in America. Not just now, but throughout our country’s bruised history with racism. It’s not enough for white people to feel compassion for those who are mistreated. Outrage is needed. A demand for fundamental, systemic change is necessary. Not next year or next month, but NOW. My heart hurts by the bleeding of our collective souls, and I believe that is what happens when we abuse a person because of their beliefs or skin color. Martin Luther King said: “Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere.” Bleeding can stop. Bruising does heal. It’ll take a tremendous, arduous, peaceful movement to make it happen – but it’ll be worth it. #blackoutuesday

A post shared by Bryan Cranston (@bryancranston) on Jun 1, 2020 at 10:29pm PDT

Rihanna posted with caption “we ain’t buying s***!!! and we ain’t selling s*** neither!!” Katy Perry encouraged followers to “support the movement towards justice and equality” and provided a link for others to donate to organizations. Kylie Jenner and Aaron Paul posted a black tile with caption “Black lives matter” in all caps. Drake captioned his post “side by side,” while Bryan Cranston demanded “fundamental, systemic change.” Olivia Wilde participated and encouraged followers to follow a black activist group, Black Visions Collective.

While the intent is to bring awareness and subsequently, change, many are urging users to use the #BlackOutTuesday hashtag instead of #BlackLivesMatter, so that pertinent information regarding protests and police brutality is not suppressed.

If you are participating in #blackouttuesday please don’t use the hashtag black lives matter as it censoring people from accessing information.❤️ https://t.co/8tSJbUBHT4

— Paul Mescal (@mescal_paul) June 2, 2020