Emotions are running high all over the world because of the killing of George Floyd, with a number of Black celebrities speaking about the injustices that they have experienced and their desire to change the system. The latest to speak up is Star Wars actor John Boyega, who delivered a passionate speech at a London protest.
Vanity Fair reports on the speech, saying that Boyega was holding back tears as he delivered it. Boyega expressed how painful it is to be shown that his race means nothing, thanks to the actions of authority figures against Black people all over the world.
Boyega then called the demonstration a physical representation of the support for the many Black men and women that have died due to police brutality. Aside from George Floyd, Boyega also name-checked Sandra Bland, Trayvon Martin, Stephen Lawrence, and Mark Duggan.
The actor also called on the gathered protesters to “control” the moment and ensure that the ongoing protests remain as peaceful as possible. He also stressed that the protests are a way to show their “brothers and sisters” around the world that their cause is supported.
Another thing that Boyega brought up is how speaking up as he is doing now could potentially be harmful to his career. However, a number of industry figures have come out in support of the actor.
As Deadline reports, both Disney and Star Wars have come out in support of the actor and his speech. In a tweet from the Lucasfilm Twitter account, the studio reiterated its support of Boyega and the message he delivered during the Black Lives Matter protest.
The account called for the “evil of racism” to stop and then committed to helping it come about. It also described the actor as a hero.
Another prominent Black celebrity to speak on the ongoing George Floyd protests is legendary filmmaker Spike Lee, who said he was encouraged by the diversity of people participating in the protests against George Floyd’s death. He remarked that the only similar protests he had since were those of the civil rights movement back in the 1960s.
Aside from Boyega, there were also a number of other celebrities who participated in George Floyd protests in the United States. Singer Halsey was part of protests in Los Angeles and she recounted having to patch up wounds caused by police officers firing into crowds of kneeling protesters.
Other celebrities who were part of protests in the United States include Ariana Grande, Cole Sprouse, Emily Ratajkowski, Kehlani, Miguel, Machine Gun Kelly, Paris Jackson, Tessa Thompson, Tinashe, and Timothee Chalamet.