Justin Bieber has been using Instagram to show his solidarity with the Black Lives Matter movement amid nation-wide protests.
And in a post shared on Saturday, the 26-year-old promised to continue using his platform to ‘speak up’ about racial injustice, while also openly acknowledging his privilege as a white male.
‘I am inspired by black culture. I have benefited off of black culture,’ wrote Bieber to his 138million followers.
Committed: On Saturday, Justin Bieber promised to continue using his platform to ‘speak up’ about racial injustice, while also openly acknowledging his privilege as a white male
‘My style, how I sing, dance, perform, and my fashion have all been influenced and inspired by black culture.’
Justin has notoriously received criticism in the past for mirroring the sound and style of black artists, as well as controversially sporting dreadlocks back in 2016.
Justin’s biggest inspiration and mentor – and one of the people involved in launching his career – is fellow R&B star Usher, who happens to be African-American.
He continued: ‘I am committed to using my platform from this day forward to learn, to speak up about racial injustice and systemic oppression, and to identify ways to be a part of much needed change.’
Owning up: ‘I am inspired by black culture. I have benefited off of black culture,’ wrote Bieber to his 138million followers’ Bieber pictured in January
Mentor: Justin’s biggest inspiration and mentor – and one of the people involved in launching his career – is fellow R&B star Usher, who happens to be African-American; Usher and Justin pictured in 2010
In his most recent attempt at online activism, Bieber paid homage to the late Breonna Taylor, who lost her life at the hands of police in Louisville, KY back in March.
For his post, the Sorry singer shared a photo of Taylor in her EMT uniform and supplied his following with ways they could help bring justice the would-be 27-year-old’s way.
Aside from his well intentioned Breonna tribute, Justin has also bombarded his follower’s timelines with various Black Lives Matter memes and quotes in an attempt to inspire change and conversations in his comment section.
Criticism: Justin has notoriously received criticism in the past for mirroring the sound and style of black artists, as well as controversially sporting dreadlocks back in 2016; Justin pictured in April of 2016
Bieber’s outpouring of support for the black community comes after the unjust killing of 46-year-old George Floyd in Minneapolis, Minnesota on May 25.
Floyd’s death has sparked days of demonstrations across the nation over police brutality against African-Americans.
In the horrifying video footage of Floyd’s death, he is seen saying that he can not breathe as officer Derek Chauvin kneeled on his neck.
Eventually he went silent and limp, and he was later declared dead.
Honoring Breonna Taylor: In his most recent attempt at online activism, Bieber paid homage to the late Breonna Taylor, who lost her life at the hands of police in Louisville, KY back in March
Justice: For his post, the Sorry singer shared a photo of Taylor in her EMT uniform and supplied his following with ways they could help bring justice the would-be 27-year-old’s way
Protests swelled after federal authorities said on May 28 that they were making the case a top priority but announced no arrests at that time.
The Minneapolis policeman accused of killing Floyd, Chauvin, was originally charged with third-degree murder on May 29, but had that charged upped to second-degree on Wednesday.
Three more officers, Thomas Lane, 37, J. Alexander Kueng, 26, and Tou Thao, 34, were arrested and charged with ‘aiding and abetting murder,’ according to the New York Times.
Messages: Aside from his well intentioned Breonna tribute, Justin has also bombarded his follower’s timelines with various Black Lives Matter memes and quotes in an attempt to inspire change and conversations in his comment section
Quarantine partners: Bieber recently returned from a lengthy lockdown in Canada with his wife Hailey, 23
Bieber recently returned from a lengthy lockdown in Canada with his wife Hailey, 23.
On Saturday, the couple – who wed in September of 2018 – were spotted enjoying an impromptu camping trip in Utah National Park.
Justin and Hailey arrived via RV and appeared to be enjoying some tranquil quality time with animals in a field close to their camping spot.
Camping trip: On Saturday, the couple – who wed in September of 2018 – were spotted enjoying an impromptu camping trip in Utah National Park