The Brief: #BlackoutTuesday and #TheShowMustBePaused are hashtags associated with members of the music industry's plan to pause work and promotions for 24 hours on June 2, 2020, to honor Black lives and make a statement against police violence.

Bluesquiggle
DEEP DIVE

By participating in #BlackoutTuesday, artists, executives, producers, and other members of the music industry plan to pause business as usual on June 2, 2020, to stand in solidarity with Black Americans and demand justice for George Floyd and the many others who experience police violence and racism.

This day of observance, which is associated with the hashtags #BlackoutTuesday and #TheShowMustBePaused, was started by music executives Jamila Thomas and Brianna Agyemang who stated on the movement’s official website that the day “is meant to intentionally disrupt the work week,” asking fellow members of the multi-billion dollar music industry to “take a beat for an honest, productive, and reflective conversation about what actions we need to take to collectively support the Black community.” The Show Must Be Paused website includes resources for donating to anti-racist causes and racial justice efforts as well as resources for learning about anti-racism and the Movement For Black Lives.

Well-known industry figures including Quincy Jones, The Rolling Stones, and Billie Eilish have stated that they’ll be observing #BlackoutTuesday and #TheShowMustBePaused. Record labels including Def Jam Recordings, Interscope, Sony Music, and Columbia Records are expected to participate. According to CNN, MTV’s president told employees that the company will take the day to “focus our attention away from work and towards our community.”