In the wake of the death of unarmed teen Michael Brown in Ferguson, Missouri and local residents protesting and rioting against local police officers, there’s a national outcry for justice to be served.
Similar to other national tragedies, celebrities have been chided for their lack of discussion on the issue and for missing the opportunity to use their platform to speak out. But a few celebrities are proving to be an exception to the trend, and they’re using their talent and voice to bring attention to Brown’s tragic death.
Take a look at celebrities who’ve released songs, done interviews, and even traveled to Ferguson in support of bringing justice to the Brown family.
J. Cole
Known to speak out against social issues and racial injustices in his music, rapper J.Cole channeled his raw emotions about Michael Brown and the situation in Ferguson, Missouri in a newly-released song titled, “Be Free.”
Changing the cover art from a picture of Michael Brown’s body, to a picture of his mother out of respect for the family, Cole attaches a message to the artwork saying, “Rest in peace to Michael Brown and to every young black man murdered in America, whether by the hands of white or black. I pray that one day the world will be filled with peace and rid of injustice. Only then will we all Be Free.”
In the song, Cole delivers a powerful chorus with the lyrics, “All we wanna do is break the chains off/All we wanna do is be free.”
In addition to releasing a song, the rapper also traveled to Ferguson to pay his respects to Brown.
Keke Palmer
In the aftermath of Michael Brown’s death, young television host, entertainer, and entrepreneur Keke Palmer is proving that she’s more than a celebrity who just uses social media to speak out. Stepping from behind her online profile to go out to Ferguson herself and be amongst protesters, Palmer revealed that tear gas was thrown at her, while her mom was shot in the neck with pellets.
Palmer has dedicated several tweets and Instagram videos to speaking about the situation and has received mixed reactions in response to her opinion. Nonetheless, her decision to get out and protest is a testament to backing her talk up with action.
Jesse Williams
Actor Jesse Williams took his thoughts about the Michael Brown case beyond social media and to CNN, where he gave a blunt interview about the media’s assassination of Brown’s character and the racism that we face today in America.
“I think we have to talk about the narrative and make sure we’re starting at the beginning. You will find that people doing the oppressing often want to start the narrative at a convenient point,” Williams said. “This started with a kid getting shot and killed and left in the street for four hours. I’ve never seen a white body left in the heat for four hours in the sweltering heat.”
Williams added, “I know plenty of white kids that steal stuff from convenience stores,” as he addressed the allegations that Brown was a suspect in a robbery earlier that day. “There is this idea that every time a black person does something they automatically become a thug worthy of their own death.”
Elle Varner
Showing her support for Ferguson and the Michael Brown case, singer Elle Varner has released a track titled, “One Love,” where she delivers a message about bringing peace rather than violence to the world. On the track she sings, “Who’s to say that we can’t change, and give one love, one love to everyone, and who decides it’s not the time to give one love.”
Before releasing the track, Elle took her thoughts to Instagram saying, “Over the past few tumultuous days I have prayed long and hard for Mike Brown’s family, the people of Ferguson, and the families of many others we have lost due to this horrific death pattern. In addition I have been gathering research, speaking with activists, and developing a plan as to how we can stop this from continuing!”
Nelly
As a native of St. Louis, Nelly sympathizes with the residents from his hometown area who are feeling the effects of Mike Brown’s death and as a result, the rapper has pledged to start a scholarship fund in honor of the teen.
“I’ve been in contact with the family of Mike Brown, we started a Mike Brown Scholarship Fund in order to send kids to college because Mike did graduate from high school,” the rapper tells Billboard.
Nelly also led a “hands up, don’t shoot” protest over the weekend at a celebrity charity event in honor of the teen.
David Banner
Mississippi-born rapper David Banner is no stranger to speaking out against the injustices of today.
Recently, Banner appeared on CNN to address the Michael Brown situation and to talk about the plight black youth face in America today.
“White cops do not see value in young black men,” Banner said. “And the reason why a lot of young, black men — not all black men — kill each other is because they don’t see any value either. So many people have bought into this Americanized system, and America historically has always tortured, killed, and enslaved black people. And I have not forgot that.”