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.
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.”
It’s hard to know what to say because I’ve been dealing with racism my entire life. That said, it’s rearing its ugly head right now & by God it’s time to deal with it once & for all. My team & I stand for justice. Convos will be had & action will be taken. #THESHOWMUSTBEPAUSED pic.twitter.com/0pehqgGN6o
— Quincy Jones (@QuincyDJones) May 31, 2020
The Musicians’ Union stands with our Black members and all Black communities against all forms of racism, violence and discrimination. When we say "behind every musician”, we mean it. #BlackLivesMatter #TheShowMustBePaused pic.twitter.com/BHyFsqeOso
— Musicians' Union (@WeAreTheMU) June 1, 2020
Mick, Keith, Charlie and Ronnie stand with all who object to racism, violence or bigotry.#theshowmustbepaused #blacklivesmatter
— The Rolling Stones (@RollingStones) June 1, 2020
We need to listen more and take time to think.
We’ve postponed tomorrow’s listening parties
#TheShowMustBePaused pic.twitter.com/DoG5MJrhGZ
— Tim Burgess (@Tim_Burgess) June 1, 2020