Amplifying Black Voices: How Celebrities Are Using Instagram Takeovers to Support Black Lives Matter
In a powerful demonstration of solidarity and commitment to social justice, prominent celebrities with colossal social media followings have begun a transformative initiative: handing over their Instagram accounts to influential Black leaders and activists. This move comes amidst nationwide protests demanding racial justice and an end to systemic police brutality, sparked by the tragic death of George Floyd. Stars such as Selena Gomez, Shawn Mendes, Lady Gaga, and Lizzo are leveraging their immense platforms to ensure that Black voices, stories, and calls to action reach an unparalleled audience, shifting from mere statements of support to direct amplification.
The catalyst for this renewed push for justice was the devastating death of George Floyd on May 25, 2020. Floyd, an African-American man, died in Minneapolis after a police officer, Derek Chauvin, knelt on his neck for nearly nine minutes, despite Floyd’s repeated pleas that he couldn’t breathe, during an arrest. This horrific event ignited a global wave of outrage, spurring millions, including countless celebrities, to join protests in support of the Black Lives Matter movement. As communities rallied, a crucial question emerged: how could those with significant influence best contribute to meaningful change? The answer, for many, lay in actively ceding their platforms to those directly impacted and working on the frontlines of racial justice.
Social media has become an indispensable tool for activism, information dissemination, and community organizing. Celebrities, with their follower counts often exceeding the populations of entire countries, possess an unmatched ability to capture public attention. Recognizing this power, many have chosen a more impactful route than simply posting a black square or issuing a general statement. By facilitating Instagram takeovers, these stars are not just speaking about change; they are enabling Black thought leaders, activists, and organizations to speak directly to diverse, engaged, and often enormous audiences, bypassing traditional media filters and ensuring authenticity. This strategy provides crucial visibility for voices that have historically been marginalized, educating millions on the complexities of systemic racism and inspiring direct action.
Selena Gomez
One of the first to announce this groundbreaking initiative was pop superstar Selena Gomez. With a staggering following of over 179 million, Selena understood the immense reach she commanded and the responsibility that came with it. She publicly committed to highlighting influential Black leaders and allowing them to directly address her followers. Her approach was clear: “I have been struggling to know the right things to say to get the word out about this important moment in history,” Selena wrote in a candid post. “After thinking about how best to use my social media, I decided that we all need to hear more from Black voices. Over the next few days I will be highlighting influential leaders and giving them a chance to take over my Instagram so that they can speak directly to all of us. We all have an obligation to do better and we can start by listening with an open heart and mind.”
Her initial handover was to Alicia Garza, a co-creator of the Black Lives Matter movement and principal at the Black Futures Lab, an organization dedicated to making Black communities powerful in politics. Garza utilized Selena’s platform to discuss the ongoing situation, explain the reasons behind the protests, and provide actionable ways for people to get involved. This direct engagement from a pivotal figure in the movement on such a massive platform not only educated Selena’s fanbase but also inspired other celebrities to consider similar impactful actions.
View this post on InstagramI’m one of the co-creators of @blklivesmatter and run the @blackfutureslab where we work to make Black communities powerful in politics. Taking a minute here to talk about what’s going on, explain why people are protesting, and provide ways for you to get involved. Thank you to Selena for giving us this platform! And thanks to you all for listening. Check out my story for resources and ways to get involved in this moment, and after. Talk to you soon!⠀ ⠀ — Alicia Garza (@chasinggarza)
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Shawn Mendes
Canadian singer-songwriter Shawn Mendes also joined the movement, recognizing the critical importance of amplifying diverse perspectives. He announced his intention to turn over his Instagram stories to “incredible young Black changemakers” who are actively fighting against systemic racism. Shawn emphasized the need for his audience to engage with these new voices with “love and solidarity,” fostering an environment of open-minded listening and learning.
His first collaborator was Zyahna Bryant, a prominent youth activist from Charlottesville, Virginia, known for her powerful advocacy against white supremacy and racial injustice since her teenage years. Bryant used Shawn’s platform to share her experiences and insights, connecting with a global audience predominantly composed of young people. This focus on young Black activists is particularly significant, as it empowers the next generation of leaders and ensures their crucial perspectives are heard by peers and older generations alike.
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Lady Gaga
Known for her fierce advocacy and commitment to social causes, Lady Gaga also made a powerful pledge to amplify Black voices. Beyond just a temporary takeover, the “Shallow” singer vowed a sustained commitment to sharing content from the Black community. She announced that she would be handing over her Instagram account to various organizations she had recently donated to, with the explicit goal of amplifying their critical messages.
Gaga’s pledge extends beyond the immediate moment: “Starting tomorrow, I’m giving over my Instagram account to each of the organizations I’ve recently donated to, in an effort to amplify their important voices,” she wrote. “And after I vow to regularly, in perpetuity, across all of my social media platforms, post stories, content, and otherwise lift up the voices of the countless inspiring members and groups within the Black community.” This promise of ongoing support across all her social media platforms signifies a long-term dedication to combating racial injustice and ensuring that these crucial conversations remain at the forefront.
View this post on InstagramStarting tomorrow, I’m giving over my Instagram account to each of the organizations I’ve recently donated to, in an effort to amplify their important voices. And after I vow to regularly, in perpetuity, across all of my social media platforms, post stories, content, and otherwise lift up the voices of the countless inspiring members and groups within the Black community.
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Lizzo
The inimitable Lizzo, a vocal advocate for body positivity and social justice, also leveraged her platform to support Black communities. Emphasizing her belief in giving others the opportunity to speak, Lizzo announced a direct conversation with a key organization working on the ground in Minneapolis, the epicenter of the initial protests. Her approach was deeply personal and aimed at facilitating direct education for her followers.
Lizzo invited her followers to join her in a conversation with the Black Visions Collective. “I believe in using my platform to give others the chance to speak,” she declared. “Join me … to talk with @blackvisionscollective in Minneapolis to learn more about what’s happening in the heart of the protest, and how we can help.” By focusing on a local organization deeply embedded in the community where George Floyd died, Lizzo provided her audience with direct access to local perspectives and a clear understanding of the immediate needs and ongoing efforts in Minneapolis.
View this post on InstagramI believe in using my platform to give others the chance to speak. Join me tomorrow at 1pm PST/3pm CT to talk with @blackvisionscollective in Minneapolis to learn more about what’s happening in the heart of the protest, and how we can help. ✊🏾🥰
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The trend of celebrities handing over their social media accounts marks a significant evolution in celebrity activism. It moves beyond symbolic gestures to tangible action, directly empowering those at the forefront of the fight for racial justice. By amplifying Black voices, these artists are helping to shift narratives, educate wider audiences, and foster a deeper understanding of systemic issues. This direct engagement encourages empathy, inspires informed action, and ensures that the urgent calls for equality are not only heard but truly resonate across diverse communities. It’s a testament to the power of collective action and the influential role that public figures can play in driving meaningful social change.
As the conversation around racial justice continues, these celebrity-led initiatives serve as a powerful reminder that everyone has a role to play. Whether through direct action, financial contributions, or simply by listening and learning, amplifying marginalized voices is a crucial step towards building a more equitable and just society. The commitment shown by Selena Gomez, Shawn Mendes, Lady Gaga, Lizzo, and many others sets a precedent for how public platforms can be effectively utilized to foster genuine understanding and accelerate progress in the ongoing struggle for Black Lives Matter.