‘Say her name’: John Legend honors Breonna Taylor on what would have been her 27th birthday

John Legend, Kim Kardashian and fellow celebrities are using their platforms to honor Breonna Taylor, a black woman who was shot and killed by police officers in her own home this March.  

Singer/activist Legend, 41, called for change in a powerful new op-ed published by Entertainment Weekly on Friday, what would have been Breonna’s 27th birthday.

The All Of Me crooner invoked the rallying call ‘Say her name’ as he talked about the injustice of Breonna’s death while also passionately supporting protests.

Taylor – an EMT and aspiring nurse – died after Louisville, Kentucky police entered the wrong apartment while attempting a drug bust, causing Breonna’s boyfriend Kenneth Walker to think there was a break-in and fire his legally licensed firearm in self-defense. Breonna was shot eight times. None of three officers involved have been arrested.

Outrage over Breonna’s death has been compounded with fury over George Floyd’s death by a Minneapolis, Minnesota officer, which was captured on video and seen worldwide, prompting protests across the United States.

‘A long past due reckoning has arrived on America’s doorstep this spring,’ John explained before going into details about Breonna’s death.

‘Now is the time for us to join together and emphatically SAY HER NAME,’ he went on to say later in the piece.

He paid tribute to other black women who have been affected by the ‘generations-long crisis of police and vigilante violence.’

‘On Breonna’s 27th birthday, I say her name and the names of Eleanor Bumpers, Atatiana Jefferson, Nina Pop, Aiyana Jones, Sandra Bland, Korryn Gaines, Pamela Turner, Tyisha Miller, Miriam Carey, Chynal Lindsey, Shelly Frey, Darnisha Harris, and too many more. I’m sending more than my thoughts and love and prayers to Breonna Taylor’s family.’

‘Today I use my platform to demand justice for this essential person, this woman, daughter, sister, and friend. While her loved ones need to be indeed in our prayers on this hard day, we also must commit to never stop fighting for justice in her name.’ 

Criminal justice advocate Kim Kardashian shared a message supporting the arrest of the three officers involved, tweeting: ‘Today would have been Breonna Taylor’s 27th birthday. She was shot and killed while sleeping in her bed. 

‘The officers have yet to be charged for her murder. Honor this #BirthdayForBreonna by visiting https://justiceforbreonna.org on more ways to help her case #SayHerName.’

Just days before her husband Kanye West was seen at a protest against police brutality in Chicago.

Ben Affleck, who was recently seen demonstrating in Venice Beach, retweeted a thread that suggested two things to do to support the cause: Celebrate Breonna with the #SayHerName tag and contact Kentucky Attorney General Daniel Cameron to demand charges for the officers involved.

Gabrielle Union shared some candid photos of Breonna, writing: ‘#BreonnaTaylor should be celebrating her 27th birthday today but she was murdered as she slept by police. 

‘She worked tirelessly to help people as an EMT. A job she loved. She should be here celebrating her big day with her family and friends. No one has been arrested. The people responsible walk free. 

‘#SayHerName Know her story. She should be here. So many Black women have met the same fate. We must not forget Black women when we are fighting.’

Viola Davis wrote about the ‘senseless’ killing, saying: ‘Happy birthday Breonna! We have not forgotten you or the countless Black women who were murdered senselessly. Your life mattered. Praying for your mom today.’ She also tagged artist @gracieleeart, who made the accompanying illustration.

Lizzo urged people to reach out to Kentucky’s elected officials and demand action, sharing: ‘Today would’ve been #breonnataylor birthday. She should be here. Instead she was murdered by police in what they’re calling a “clerical error.” 

‘They barged into her home without knocking and shot her in her sleep. She worked for us during the covid pandemic, she was an innocent civilian. SAY HER NAME. DEMAND JUSTICE ON HER BIRTHDAY. NO ARRESTS HAVE BEEN MADE.’

She then tagged Governor Andy Beshear, Senator Rand Paul, Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, and Kentucky Attorney General Daniel Cameron.

Olivia Wilde shared the same informational graphic, writing: ‘In honor of what should have been her 27th birthday, get loud on Breonna’s behalf and DEMAND JUSTICE. It will make a difference. Let’s also email at [email protected]. #sayhername #birthdayforbreonna.’

Jada Pinkett Smith (above November 2019) wrote ‘Breonna Taylor would have been 27 today. Take a moment to say her name 27 times today so that we may never forget’

Beyonce’s mother Tina Lawson wrote as if she was talking directly to Breonna, saying: ‘Hi young beautiful Queen! You would have been awake by now getting texts , flowers , well wishes, birthday wishes, hugs, Love, later a cake , maybe breakfast in bed.

‘Instead Irresponsible police officers took your life and you don’t get to see your 27th birthday ! I just finished praying for your family , shedding tears and trying to imagine the pain your family must be in today !!! Thank God that the world is watching now, The battle has just begun and I for one pledge to keep making noise , keep donating , keep speaking out , keep signing , keep organizing, doing all i can and challenging others to do so as well. 

‘You will not be forgotten ! I can’t bring myself to say happy birthday to you because it’s not a happy day! I am so sorry!!! No turning Back!’

Katie Holmes, Kate Hudson, Sara Sampaio, Meghan Thee Stallion and many more also posted in solidarity.

Controversially, Karlie Kloss – sister-in-law of presidential adviser Jared Kushner – shared a post demanding justice for Breonna.

‘Today would have been Breonna Taylor’s 27th birthday,’ the retired model wrote. ‘A celebration and life stripped away when the police wrongfully broke into her house, riddling her with bullets in March. 

‘Breonna was an EMT, an essential worker during a time of crisis, a friend, a daughter and so much more. Breonna never got to experience her 27th trip around the sun and those responsible for her murder still walk freely. Honor Breonna and demand justice for her and her family. Text ENOUGH to 55156 #SayHerName.’