Over the last two weeks, Selena Gomez handed over her Instagram account to Black leaders and activists in an effort to use her platform (with 180 million followers) to amplify Black voices as Black Lives Matter protests took place across the country. Now, Selena is thanking all of the people who took over her account in a heartfelt note.
Taking over Gomez's Instagram over the last few weeks were Alicia Garza (co-founder of Black Lives Matter), Jelani Cobb (writer/author and professor), Kendrick Sampson (actor/activist), Kimberlé Crenshaw (civil rights advocate and lawyer), Sarah Elizabeth Lewis (author), Ibram X. Kendi (a historian of racism and author), Michael Render (AKA rapper Killer Mike), Nelini Stamp (Director of Strategy for Working Families), Raquel Willis (activist), Ruby Bridges (civil rights activist/author), Brittany Packnett Cunningham (educator), and Stacey Abrams (politician, lawyer and activist, and the first Black woman to earn the gubernatorial nomination for a major party in the US).
In her note, Selena thanked everyone for for sharing their knowledge, writing, "I want to thank all of the amazing people that took the time to speak to us directly. I am blown away with your knowledge, eagerness to teach and commitment to ensuring Black voices are not silenced. Educating ourselves is the first step if we hope to make any progress in bringing an end to systemic racism. As much as one might want to believe things have gotten better we cannot deny any longer that they have not. We need to acknowledge that social, political and economic discrimination against Black communities continues to exist. There is a deep pain that needs to be healed. Unless this is recognized history will continue to repeat itself over and over."
Gomez also called attention to Juneteenth, explaining, "which commemorates the day slaves in Texas were told they were free on June 19th 1865. To learn more of the history and the movement to make it a national holiday read The article in my bio. Please take the day to have conversations with your family and friends about the importance of Black Lives Matter and how we all need to join together to ensure equality and justice and then continue these conversations every day!"⠀ ⠀
While also encouraging people to get out and vote, Selena ended her message by saying, "It’s not lost on me how fortunate I am to have this platform and appreciate you all for taking the time to watch, listen and take in the powerful messages and information we’ve been provided over the last two weeks by some of the most inspiring people I’ve come across in my life. If you missed any of these incredible IG stories they are all saved in my Story Highlights under #BLMand #BLM2. This is just the beginning and we will continue to hear from other Black voices and as well as other marginalized communities I am committed to doing the work and I hope you join me."
Photo: Getty Images