Yesterday, on Monday 22nd June, Harry Styles, along with many other artists, joined a number of music industry workers in creating the non-profit organisation ‘Black Music Action Coalition’ (BMAC). Their united goal is to dismantle the systemic racism which still exists in the music industry, both in the UK and USA.
Artists who have pledged their support to BMAC include Lady Gaga, Billie Eilish, Khalid, Post Malone, and Mary J. Blige, while the founders are music executives from various labels and management companies. Styles has not yet commented on this matter specifically apart from sharing the BMAC logo on Twitter – he is most likely working behind the scenes – but he has spoken out previously regarding the Black Lives Matter movement, even going to protests in LA.
I do things every day without fear, because I am privileged, and I am privileged every day because I am white.
Being not racist is not enough, we must be anti racist.
Social change is enacted when a society mobilizes.
I stand in solidarity with all of those protesting. pic.twitter.com/45MSXAWEJl— Harry Styles. (@Harry_Styles) May 30, 2020
This follows on from Black Out Tuesday, which took place on 2nd June, to raise awareness and find solutions for the inequality, using the hashtag #TheShowMustBePaused. Founders were inspired by the companies involved, and hope that they can work together to create change. These companies include Universal Music Group, Warner Music Group, and Sony Music, as well as Apple Music, YouTube, and BMG.
Eloquently detailing their work, the organisation posted an open letter on all online platforms, stating: “We created BMAC to address long standing racial inequities in the business, the financial impact of those inequities for both Black artists and executives, and ways we can work with you urgently to solve these problems.”
An open letter. #BMAC pic.twitter.com/YhCEgdVuvq — Black Music Action Coalition (@bma_coalition) June 22, 2020
It went on to explain how they will take action, announcing that they will meet with every company’s CEO and foundation board to develop a plan, though they have already started by educating their thousands of followers on social media. BMAC have made multiple posts since yesterday, with statements such as “Protect Black lives. Protect Black music.”
It’s bigger than music. #BMAC #BlackMusicMatters pic.twitter.com/xWYlCUQT0y
— Black Music Action Coalition (@bma_coalition) June 23, 2020
Rolling Stone shared their thoughts, saying that the music business is “arguably kept afloat by black music and black creators,” a point also made by record labels on Black Out Tuesday. Speaking to Rolling Stone, Binta Brown (founder and manager of Chance the Rapper), said “We must work together on this. Systemic problems require systemic solutions, and that means each of us must be active in working together to create a just, fair and equitable society for all.”
Any artist, songwriter, producer, manager, agent, lawyer, executive or other passionate industry professional can join to help dismantle racism within the music business. Find more information on the BMAC website.
