About Blackout Tuesday

Today is Music Industry Blackout Day — Blackout Tuesday — an initiative spearheaded by music industry executives Jamila Thomas and Brianna Agyemeng. With a presence on social media via the hashtag #theshowmustbepaused, it was founded in response to the deaths of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, and Ahmaud Arbery.

In a statement on their website, Thomas and Agyemeng wrote:

“Our mission is to hold the industry at large, including major corporations + their partners who benefit from the efforts, struggles and successes of Black people accountable. To that end, it is the obligation of these entities to protect and empower the Black communities that have made them disproportionately wealthy in ways that are measurable and transparent.”

The movement grew to include major and independent record labels, music industry employees and artists in the wake of protests since this past weekend. A Columbia Records instagram post stated that Blackout Tuesday is “a day to reflect and figure out ways to move forward in solidarity.”

WXPN will be acknowledging Blackout Tuesday through our on-air and online channels throughout the day. XPN is a public radio station in service to and for our community of musicians and listeners. To those who are suffering and hurting, we see you and we hear you.

Music is a fundamental way in which we share our experiences. It provides an opportunity for us to listen and learn from people living in diverse communities. It helps us understand that our lives might look different, but our basic needs are all the same: to feel safe, to feel loved, to be seen. 

During these challenging times, we will continue to do what our listeners and members rely on us to do. As we bring our community together through music, we will continue to spotlight the work of black artists.

Black voices matter. Black lives matter.

For resources on how you can show support beyond today, and to educate yourselves, go to TheShowMustBePaused.com for donation links and anti-racism resources.