By: Amal Wahliye

Black Lives Matter was founded in 2013 in response to the police brutality and returned to national headlines, due to the death of George lots in 2020 caused by the Minneapolis police. Protests for BLM in 2020 was estimated to be attended by 15 to 26 million people in the USA.

Dax’s song Black Lives Matter focuses on the police brutality which has led to the death of many black Americans. The song is emotional evoking by highlighting the phrase “I can’t breathe” which was sad by George Floyd whilst detained by Officer Chauvin before he was murdered by Chauvin. By using snippets recorded during BLM protest Dax can invoke emotion of the harsh reality whilst the lyrics promote the unity of mankind and how change is needed to become aware that humans are all the same regardless of skin colour. Before the music video begins and ends, Dax presents statements such as “Remember when we were kids and didn’t see colour” to imply that racism is taught and “it’s ALL OF US against racism” to emphasise the idea of human unity once again.

John legend’s song Preach is used to promote the broader racial issue in the USA. The music video follows the story of 3 individuals from different ethnic backgrounds. Following the stereotypical issue of police brutality towards black boys, school shooters and the separation of Hispanic immigrants from their kids. The song lyrics shares the truth of the public’s who are aware of these issues due to the internet coverage and their lack of ability to make a change. By showing how the issues play out, it portrays the harsh reality of death and morning. However bring hope to the public that they can make change through the donation link below the music video or by protesting against the system that causes the issue.