Beyoncé, Chance the Rapper and Rihanna list ordinary actions that have gotten black Americans killed
Alicia Keys and the We Are Here movement gathered a crew of celebrities including Pharrell, Queen Latifah and Kevin Hart for a video released today that recites everyday activities that 23 victims of police shootings were doing before their deaths.
Journalist Jamilah King wrote the article that inspired the video collaboration with Mic, "23 Everyday Actions Punishable by Death if You're Black in America," following the fatal police shooting of Philando Castile on July 6.
"I did this to prove a point: There is a tax on black life in America, and we are better than this," King wrote.
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The video shows haunting black and white footage of each entertainer, followed by a still image of those who have lost their lives. Beyoncé speaks about Philando Castile riding in his girlfriend's car. Pink references Eric Garner selling cigarettes. Talib Kweli refers to Oscar Grant III riding a commuter train. To see a full list of artists in protest, you can visit We Are Here.
"We demand radical transformation to heal the long history of systemic racism so that all Americans have the equal right to live and pursue happiness," Keys says toward the end of the video, calling on viewers to sign a petition urging President Obama and Congress to enact change.
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"It's moving to see that celebrities have taken charge of telling this story," King wrote in response to the collaboration. "What we're seeing now are black entertainers -- singers, actors, athletes and artists who are deeply in tune with what's happening in the United States -- speaking out, taking action."
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