Pearl Jam has shared a statement outlining the band’s effort to combat “unconscious racism” in the wake of the Black Lives Matter protests unfurling around the country following the senseless murder of unarmed African American George Floyd at the hands of a Minneapolis police officer.
The band took to Facebook to address the current climate, “Pearl Jam was started with a love for music and social justice,” the grunge icons shared. “Our organization has been reflecting on where unconscious racism is still showing up in our own lives and how we can do better.”
“While we continue to dig in, we do not want to contribute to white voices overtaking the narrative that the Black community is sharing,” they continue. “It is the responsibility of each of us to listen and educate ourselves on how to be better humans sharing this planet.”
The statement was accompanied by a link to an article written by activist Holiday Phillips, “Performative Allyship Is Deadly (Here’s What to Do Instead). The article outlines how to transcend from being a performative ally to an affective one. It is essential reading.
This weekend a slew of protests organised in solidarity with Black Lives Matter, and to highlight First Nations deaths in police custody will unfurl across Australia. If you are healthy and able it is your duty to show up. You can find a guide to all the protests here.
On June 10th, a bunch of the finest names in Washington music are joining forces to raise funds for coronavirus relief. Pearl Jam, Dave Matthews, Macklemore, Death Cab For Cutie’s Ben Gibbard and more are set to take part in a momentous relief concert.
The virtual spectacle, hosted by All In WA, will raise money for several local organisations working on youth homelessness, food security and providing support for vulnerable communities amid the pandemic.
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