The resistance against racism and police brutality due to the tragic murder of George Floyd has been prevalent not just in the US, but in the rest of the world as well. Black Lives Matter protests have been going on everywhere in the world and many have been able to speak out against injustice. One of the most recognized celebrities to have speak out against racism is a hero from one of the biggest film franchises, Star Wars actor John Boyega, who spoke out at recent Black Lives Matter rally in London Hyde Park on June 3rd 2020.
During the protest, Boyega stated that”“Black lives have always mattered”. “We have always been important. We have always meant something. We have always succeeded regardless. And now is the time. I ain’t waiting…” The Attack the Block actor discussed how everyone is the physical representation of lives like George Floyd, Sandra, Bland, Stephen and Trayvon Martin to name a few. The actor commented on how this statement could affect his career by saying, ““Look, I don’t know if I’m going to have a career after this, but f**k that”.
Boyega also encouraged the protesters to keep this rally as peaceful as possible due to not falling into law enforcement’s trap of “wanting us to be disorganized. He exclaimed that, “I need you to understand how painful it is to be reminded every day that your race means nothing and that isn’t the case anymore, that was never the case anymore”. It seems very encouraging that Boyega is making a stance against racism like this and will continue to fight for what is right in very divisive times at this moment.
So far, Lucasfilm has backed his statement, as well as filmmakers including Jordan Peele and Edgar Wright.
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