Jimmie Allen is one of the many artists who is speaking out about racism, especially in the wake of the heartbreaking death of George Floyd. With many companies in Nashville and beyond participating in Blackout Tuesday as a way to fight discrimination and promote healing, Jimmie is in support of the movement, but is issuing a warning as well.
“The black square on my page is a reminder of the darkness that we still live in,” Jimmie shared on social media. “Today I choose to focus on ways to shine light there and be an example of love and equality. I choose to try and educate people on the racial prejudice that still exists in the hearts of SOME towards people that look like me. There are GREAT people in this world with open and loving hearts. Let’s not allow this situation to turn the love into hate. If that happens all of this is pointless.
“When you post your black square have a purpose,” he continued. “Don’t do it just because it’s the newest social media trend.”
— Jimmie Allen (@JimmieAllen) June 2, 2020
Jimmie’s words come only a couple days after he posted his heartfelt thoughts on George’s tragic death and the aftermath.
“The continued non value of life towards black men in America concerns me,” he said in part. “As a black man and a father raising a black boy I’m worried. The uncertainty of his safety turns my stomach. I challenge everyone to love each other and let our hearts speak louder than the injustice. Love so loud that it suffocates the hate.”
Jimmie is one of several artists who is using their voice to usher in change. Old Dominion’s Matt Ramsey also urged people to do better, and do more, in the fight to end racism.
“The turbulent hand of racism has not touched me,” Matt acknowledged. “Therefore, like many of the people I talk to, I’m left feeling helpless, scared, guilty and ashamed. There is no basement we can crawl into to protect ourselves from this storm. We can only listen to it and learn from it as it tears a path through our lives. I have faith that kindness can bloom again.
“I’ve seen it happen,” he continued. “I know we as people can find love and compassion for our neighbors who have been hurt. In these painful times, please focus your hearts on healing, compassion, communication, humanity, humility and love. Hate has had its day. It’s on us to work together now to clean it up.”
Photo Credit: Courtesy of BBR Music Group / Lee Steffen