#BlackLivesMatter - Resources, links to donate to ... and The Unsigned Guide's pledge
News: 5th June 2020 by Stef Loukes under Artist Managers, Creative & Branding, Finance, Law & Music Business, Live, Media, Music Publishing, Music Training & Careers, Record Labels, Recording & Production, Selling & Distributing Your Music
Along with the rest of the global music industry, and beyond, The Unsigned Guide took part in #BlackOutTuesday and #TheShowMustBePaused awareness campaign this week.
We did take this time out to educate ourselves on systematic racism, and we fully recognise that the opportunity to choose to educate ourselves on this is a privilege in itself.
Donations were made, articles were read, books were ordered, podcasts were listened to - not just on #BlackOutTuesday, but every day since this week. We have been giving much thought during this time about the role The Unsigned Guide can perform in supporting black communities, locally and beyond, and have come up with lots of ideas that we intend to implement.
We, along with many others, truly hope that #BlackOutTuesday was only phase one in taking a united stand against racism and prejudice.
We commit to listen, learn and take action. We pledge to play our part in amplifying black voices.
Below we have collated some articles with a music slant that we have read and wanted to share. Plus, there are links to UK and US fundraisers you can donate to if you’re able. Please check them out.
Also, on 19th June Bandcamp will be donating its share of all sales to the NAACP Legal Defense Fund. We came across this fantastic spreadsheet detailing all black artists featured on the platform. Buy some music & show your support to Black artists, whilst directing money to this valuable cause too.
An open letter to the music industry from Keith Harris... “I would like to remind you all that this awareness of racism in the industry should not last for one day, or one week, or one year. This should last forever. I would like to see other young black people in the industry rise to the positions of authority and seniority that their talent merits.”
Racism is a Public Health Crisis by the Musicians’ Union
The Truth About Racism in the UK - Jude Yawson, co-author of Stormzy’s book ‘Rise Up’ explains why we urgently need wider representation in our culture
1Xtra Talks have recent episodes discussing George Floyd’s tragic death and racial injustice
The Musicians’ Union’s Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Official, John Shortell, discusses the Life or Death Consequences of Prejudice and Discrimination
How to support Black Lives Matter
A list of Anti-Racism resources
Anti Racist Rescources: How to Take Action Online
DONATE UK:
Black Minds Matter UK - https://www.gofundme.com/f/black-minds-matter-uk
UK Black Lives Matter - https://www.gofundme.com/f/ukblm-fund
Show Racism The Red Card - https://www.justgiving.com/theredcard
The Stephen Lawrence Trust - https://www.stephenlawrence.org.uk/support-us/donate/
Stand Up To Racism - http://www.standuptoracism.org.uk/join-donate/
DONATE US:
Reclaim The Block - https://secure.everyaction.com/zae4prEeKESHBy0MKXTIcQ2
The Official George Floyd Memorial Fund - https://www.gofundme.com/f/georgefloyd
Minnesota Freedom Fund - https://minnesotafreedomfund.org/
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The Unsigned Guide's pledge for #BlackLivesMatter