Some of music’s biggest record labels, including Warner Music, Big Machine Label Group, Sony Music Nashville and more, are participating in Blackout Tuesday today (June 2). The initiative, which has been prevalent on social media, is to “disconnect from work and reconnect with our community,” after the tragic death of George Floyd, and subsequent riots and vandalism across the country, including in Nashville.
The nationwide event was started by Jamila Thomas and Brianna Agyemang, two African-American music industry executives who were inspired to action after George’s death at the hands of a white police officer.
“Tuesday, June 2nd is meant to intentionally disrupt the work week,” the women said in a statement posted on TheShowMustBePaused.com. “Monday suggests a long weekend, and we can’t wait until Friday for change. It is a day to take a beat for an honest, reflective and productive conversation about what actions we need to collectively take to support the Black community.”
Warner Music Nashville is one of several companies that shared their plans on social media.
“On Tuesday, June 2nd, all of Warner Music Group, including Warner Music Nashville, will observe ‘Black Out Tuesday,'” a statement read on their social media accounts. “We will support our employees, artists, and global community. The music business at WMG will not go on as usual.
#THESHOWMUSTBEPAUSED pic.twitter.com/zNMmKNzVBc
— Warner Music Nashville (@WarnerMusicNash) May 31, 2020
“While this is only one day, we are continuing the fight for real change,” the statement continued. “We will be using this day to collectively reflect on what we as a company can do to put action towards change, and we will be taking steps in the coming weeks and months.”
Warner Music Group also posted ways to get involved, including signing the Justice for George Floyd petition, and donating to the Official George Floyd Memorial Fund.
Artists like Kacey Musgraves, Lindsay Ell, the Highwomen, among others, are participating in Blackout Tuesday, as well as numerous other companies, including ASCAP, BMI, SESAC, Universal Music Group, Big Loud Records, Black River Entertainment, Adkins Publicity, Shane McAnally’s SmackSongs and more.
