Intense international outrage over the murder of George Floyd by (now fired) police officer Derek Chauvin has erupted into protests around the globe. Celebrities have been using their platforms to show their support, share resources, and educate.
Ariana Grande, John Cusack, Nick Cannon, Jamie Foxx, Tinashe and many others joined protesters for marches in their area. Lebron James, Cardi B, Billie Eilish, Lady Gaga, Kim Kardashian West, Naomi Campbell, Reese Witherspoon, Dwayne Johnson and more have taken to Instagram to support #BlackLivesMatter. Chrissy Teigen donated $200,000 to help protestors make bail.
I have been spending time reflecting on my privilege and how I can help. On top of signing petitions, donating, protesting, and speaking up, something I am committed to doing is filling my life with more work by people of colour. When I look around at my friends, the movies I watch, the books I read, and the people I follow on social media, I do not want it to be only my image reflected. Here is some excellent entertainment by black people:
Moonlight
The coming of age story of a black man, Chiron. The movie explores masculinity, parental figures, community and sexuality. It has a 98 per cent rating on Rotten Tomatoes, an Oscar and a 2x2 imprint of my butt on my couch from not moving for 110-minutes.
Love & Basketball
I don’t want to showboat, but I did play junior high basketball, so this movie hit deep for me. The romantic drama follows neighbours, Monica and Quincy, as they grow up together. Both are pursuing careers in basketball while also falling in love with each other.
Snowfall on FX
Set in Los Angeles in the early 1980s, a crime family starts selling cocaine. The TV show shines a spotlight on the cycle of poverty, oppression and the drug world. I’m not really into drugs (although nothing hits like a Claritin during hay fever season) but this show is excellent.
Such a Fun Age by Kiley Reid
For a book that balances the intricacies of race, class and privilege, I was surprised by how easy it read. It was witty, realistic, and also deeply profound. The story follows a young black woman who is wrongfully accused of kidnapping when she was simply babysitting and the ripple it causes. The book really displays how the best intentions of white people can be misinformed, misguided, and damaging.
The Hate U Give by Angie Thomas
A novel made into a movie that sadly mirrors a story we often see in the media. Sixteen-year-old Starr is a witness as her childhood best friend is shot and killed by a white police officer. Amidst threats and intimidation and a battle of two sides, Starr must decide to speak out on behalf of her dead friend. This story is important, emotional, and beautifully told.
More incredible books are How We Fight for Our Lives by Saeed Jones, Queenie by Candice Carty-Williams, and The Water Dancer by Ta-Nehisi Coates.
Let’s be allies and more cognizant of what we consume and support.
Keely Turner takes a look at pop culture through the eyes of a PEI girl with a big city attitude. Keely lives in Toronto, working as a fitness trainer and writer, with her husband and beagle. You can find her on Instagram @KeelyMTurner
