02 June 2020

Everything you need to know about Blackout Tuesday and who's taking part

People around the world have been taking part in Blackout Tuesday by posting black screens across social media feeds.

The move, supported by sports stars, politicians, celebrities and companies is to show solidarity with the ’Black Lives Matter’ movement, in the wake of the death of George Floyd in Minneapolis.

Organisers say it is ’a day to disconnect from work and reconnect with our community’ through ’an urgent step of action to provoke accountability and change’.

How do you take part?

If you would like to join in with the campaign, organisers have asked that you post a black square on your social media account, mute your account for a day and use the time you would usually be on social media to educate yourself about Black Lives Matter.

What is Black Lives Matter?

The movement was initially founded in 2013. It began as a hashtag after George Zimmerman was acquitted of the shooting of African American teenager Trayvon Martin.

From that point, the movement has campaigned against violence and systemic racism against black people.

According to its website, the aim is to ’eradicate white supremacy and build local power to intervene in violence inflicted on Black communities by the state and vigilantes’. 

It goes on the say: “By combating and countering acts of violence, creating space for Black imagination and innovation, and centering Black joy, we are winning immediate improvements in our lives.”

Who has got involved in Blackout Tuesday?

Alongside the social media campaign, corporations in the TV and music industries have also got involved.

Many musicians have cancelled live streams and listening parties to stand with the movement.

TV shows, such as This Morning in the UK, have also released videos in support of Blackout Tuesday.

However, the majority of people have shown their support on social media. Celebrities, sportspeople and activists across all platforms have taken part.

Here’s a list of just a handful of the millions that have been posted.

Basketball legend LeBron James

England Women’s football captain Steph Houghton

Singer Rihanna

Paris Saint-Germain footballer Kylian Mbappé

Big Bang Theory actress Kaley Cuoco

Model and actress Elizabeth Hurley 

Paralympian Lauren Steadman 

Radio One DJ Greg James

Countryfile presenter Matt Baker

Singer Rita Ora

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