Listen to Black Dancers Speaking Out Against Racial Injustice
This weekend, protests against racially-charged police brutality—spurred by the unjust killings of George Floyd, Ahmaud Arbery, Breonna Taylor, Nina Pop, Sean Reed, and so many others—swept the country. Supporters, including many of members of the dance world, took to social media to share their thoughts, and express their grief.
As allies, one of the first actions we can take in this moment is to listen to and amplify the voices of Black members of our dance community. Here are some of the most powerful posts written by Black dancers.
“How is it that someone can look at me and decide that I’m a threat? It doesn’t make sense. I am human. We are all human. We need allies to support us and stop these injustices from happening. Because at the end of the day, tolerating racism is racism.” —Nardia Boodoo
“This is the time to come together, to unite, to raise awareness, to expand our perspectives, to support, and most importantly love one another.” —Alison Stroming
“I don’t want to carry hate and negativity in my soul. None of us should have to. This has to end. We all deserve a fair chance at life.” —Calvin Royal III
“If Martin Luther was living, he wouldn’t let this be. Nor shall we.” —Lil Buck
“It’s time to speak out. Silence is not going to help. If you have a fear of being uncomfortable while speaking out against racial justice, now is the time to break that wall of fear and speak out.” —Erica Lall
“It’s a choice to act a certain way towards another human! We all have choices! What do you choose?” —Lloyd Knight
“Isn’t it obvious this needs to end?! Aren’t you tired of watching videos of us being killed so senselessly?!” —Courtney Hollinquest
“I’m no longer standing, I’m running. At full speed towards change and justice. My shoes are strength and truth and my sweat reminding me of the blood and tears of my ancestors.” —Martha Nichols
“Senseless brutality from the people sworn in to protect us is an outrage.” —Desmond Richardson
“Silence is deafening. Simple. It saddens me that this is the reality we live in…we all have the opportunity to change this!” —Nikisha Fogo
“When black people can jog without being shot, talk to the police without being treated like an animal, take a knee against brutality and be heard instead of scrutinized, live without constant fear of being judged, held back, pigeon-holed, or murdered over the color of our skin then we can talk about what equality means!” —Gabe Stone Shayer
“I cried. And then—I prayed. I prayed for love. I prayed for understanding. I prayed for courage. I prayed for my black brothers. I prayed for my black sisters. I prayed for justice. I prayed for healing.” —Melany Centeno
“Living your daily life without the fear of being murdered simply because of the way you look is white privilege.” —India Bradley
“We are the ones. We. We. We. What I want for myself, I want for everyone.” —Ayodele Casel
“My skin color does not define me. I matter, we matter.” —Michaela DePrince