*Celebrities and Black content creators have praised actor John Boyega for his emotional speech at a Black Lives Matter protest in London on Wednesday.
As noted by TooFab, Boyega broke down in tears while speaking to thousands gathered in Hyde Park protesting against systemic racism, sparked by the death of George Floyd in Minneapolis police custody on May 25.
The “Star Wars” star acknowledged that his stance could destroy his career, but bravery trumps the feelings of the white supremacists in Hollywood, so Boyega did the damn thing.
“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,” he said into a megaphone,. “I ain’t waiting. I ain’t waiting!”
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Watching @JohnBoyega speak at today’s BLM Hyde Park protest has made me so emotional. This man is so powerful & using his platform and voice for good. Look at him coming out for his people. We must protect him at ALL costs. ❤️✊? #BlackLivesMatter pic.twitter.com/OIxJTtJr6Q
— Jessica “Black Lives Matter” Morgan™?? (@jnoahmorgan) June 3, 2020
Boyega also called for the protection of Black women, and to stop “demonizing our own”.
“We need to take care of them. They’re ours, they are our hearts, they are our future,” he said.
“We are the pillars of the family. Imagine this: a nation that is set up with individual families that are thriving, that are healthy, that communicate, that raise their children in love. Have a better rate of becoming better human beings.”
He continued, “Every black person here remembered when another person reminded you that you were black… I need you to understand how painful this shit is,” said Boyega. “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 is never the case any more. We are going to try today, we are a physical representation of our support for George Floyd. For Sandra Bland. For Trayvon Martin. For Stephen Lawrence.”
He added: “I don’t know if I’m going to have a career after this, but f–k that.”
“We stand. We walk. It’s not about career. It’s not about money. It’s about your right to live as a human being.”
Many Hollywood A-listers took to Twitter to support his message.
“We got you, John,” said director Jordan Peel.
“Happy to work with you any time, John,” said Harry Potter author JK Rowling.
Oscar winner Matthew A. Cherry also urged other non-Black creators to have Boyega’s back.
Lucasfilm also stands with the artist and his message that, “Now is the time. Black lives have always mattered. Black lives have always been important. Black lives have always meant something.”
Watch John Boyega’s full speech here.
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