There has been a huge conversation about discrimination and racism in Hollywood in the months leading up to the 88th Academy Awards. The lack of creators of color lead to many regular Oscar attendees boycotting this year’s festivities. Many artists, actors, and activists have all spoken out with their opinion pertaining to “white Hollywood.” This debate has created a rise in cultural pride from artists of color in many different fields, sparking a social revolution in media.
This growth in consciousness had led many artists to stand together against traditional valued events to causes of more substance. One of these causes is the current human rights crisis in Flint, Michigan. The people of Flint have gone months without properly filtered, drinkable water and have been brushed under the rug by the powers that be when they have reached out for help.
To bring exposure to this tragedy artists like Stevie Wonder, Janelle Monae, Jazmine Sullivan, Vic Mensa, Musiq Soulchild, and Empire star Jussie Smollett decided to skip the Hollywood festivities and put together a concert in support of those in Michigan suffering from unfit drinking water.
The #Justice4Flint: Blackout For Human Rights concert was held at the Whiting Auditorium in Flint, Michigan featuring a star-studded line up including: Janelle Monae, Ledisi, Andra Day, Jazmine Sullivan, Vic Mensa, Musiq Soulchild, Robert Glasper, Jessie Williams, Jussie Smollett, Jamilah Lemieux, Jasiri X, Mysonne, Dej Loaf, Royce da 5’9, Denaun Porter and Flint native Jon Connor with special surprise guest Stevie Wonder. The event was hosted by comedian Hannibal Burress. Donations were accepted at the event via text message and all proceeds from this protest went directly to benefit all residents impacted by the water crisis.
“For us, this is not a hashtag…This is so much more. We stand with you. We may not be residents of Flint, but we are Flint, Michigan,” were the words Smollett said to the packed out crowd of 2,000, most of which attended for free. This powerful statement summarized the tone of the event and what it meant for everyone involved. This event wasn’t just about boycotting the Oscars or creating an alternate event for those who didn’t get invited, it was a stand against ignorance.
The people of Flint have been ignored and denied one of the simplest human needs. This concert, along with its donations and the buzz it generated as an Oscars competitor, is all an effort to give a small group of people a large voice. And in a world of materialism and glamour, it’s good to see events like this that celebrate in order to bring change. What a great way to wrap up Black History Month.
