He has a name: Michael Brown – another unarmed teen gunned down by the police.
By now, Michael Brown’s killing has become national news, but it’s been people’s excessive use of social media that has propelled this case to the President’s desk.
Besides the violence against protestors and the bully tactics perpetuated by the St. Louis County Police Department, what’s surprisingly unsurprising is the eerie silence of influencers and celebrities.
Many of our favorite actors, athletes, musicians, and influencers pride themselves on being “down with the people,” but in regards to such a public case and the unrest in America, most of our favorite celebs haven’t said a word.
We get it, people shouldn’t look to celebs to mobilize the masses during a time of injustice, but it is nice to know they’re aware and that they care.
Despite criticism against Twitter activism, the Ferguson Police Department has decided against releasing the name of the officer responsible for killing Michael Brown due to social media coverage and outrage. So no matter what you think about hashtag activism, it works in some capacity.
The amount of celebrities who’ve weighed in on this tragedy isn’t nearly enough, but stay woke, people.
Here are some of the celebrities who aren’t too wrapped up in popping bottles at the club and taking selfies. Check out their social media activism down under.
David Banner’s been very vocal about his outrage and made it known on Twitter.
What do you value, what do you respect? Who and what would you die for? At what point do you get serious? They are not playing.
— DAVID BANNER (@THEREALBANNER) August 13, 2014
If you really care, focus on what is happening to our people in real life. The comments made online should matter not.
— DAVID BANNER (@THEREALBANNER) August 14, 2014
Hiphop sites let’s focus on the people please! Be the real news. Be our eyes and ears. We need you.
— DAVID BANNER (@THEREALBANNER) August 14, 2014
Where are the officials who ask for your vote and swear by oath that they represent the people. In times like these you see who is who.
— DAVID BANNER (@THEREALBANNER) August 14, 2014
Someone record the Presidents speech and put it on youtube – I’m boarding a plane – thank you
— DAVID BANNER (@THEREALBANNER) August 14, 2014
Rapper Jeezy actually went down to Ferguson, Missouri and met with Michael Brown’s family.
Saw #Ferguson for myself. #justiceformichaelbrown Photos from me & the people here: http://t.co/LWqwJzm06F
— SnowGo (@YoungJeezy) August 13, 2014
It’s been 5 days! No name has been given, No arrest has been made. I can only imagine being on the… http://t.co/zSgDi6MyvO
— SnowGo (@YoungJeezy) August 14, 2014
Rapper Talib Kweli speaks out against the injustice in Ferguson.
I’m sick of folks saying that people only protest when cops shoot us down. Just cuz u ignorant don’t mean everyone is.
— Talib Kweli Greene (@TalibKweli) August 14, 2014
I follow many activists thinkers & progressives who stay active 24/7. When our tragedies hit mainstream folks stop rolling they eyes at them
— Talib Kweli Greene (@TalibKweli) August 14, 2014
So folks on my timeline are saying there have been 0 homicides in Ferguson this year, making #MikeBrown the 1st? Is this true?
— Talib Kweli Greene (@TalibKweli) August 14, 2014
Actor Nate Parker, Isaiah Washington, Talib Kweli, and David Banner talking on Twitter about solidarity and mobilizing people to seek justice.
Actress Alyssa Milano seemed to be fed up with Fox News and the lack of media coverage on Ferguson on Twitter last night.
Maybe hard hitting @foxnews should be covering what’s going on in #Ferguson, Mo. instead of fat shaming the First Lady??
— Alyssa Milano (@Alyssa_Milano) August 13, 2014
Post reporter @WesleyLowery‘s first-hand account of being arrested in Ferguson: http://t.co/N0DNn1SZtn /via @washingtonpost
— Alyssa Milano (@Alyssa_Milano) August 14, 2014
Trey Songz directed fans to follow group Anonymous, who has hacked the Ferguson police department’s internal sites for the truth behind the shooting and to discover the unnamed officer’s identity.
Now following @TheAnonMessage for the truth about #Ferguson
— Trey Songz (@TreySongz) August 14, 2014
Erykah Badu admits she doesn’t watch the news much, but did read about Michael Brown’s killing.
Hmm. Don’t watch too much TV. Hard 2keep up with current events. But read about the young unarmed boy shot down in St. Louis. Hmm..
— ErykahBadoula (@fatbellybella) August 13, 2014
R&B singer John Legend’s been following Michael Brown’s case closely.
America is #1 at war and imprisoning. I wish we were #1 at building infrastructure and health care and educating our kids
— John Legend (@johnlegend) August 12, 2014
I believe these cops are intentionally trying to inflame the situation. They want an excuse.
— John Legend (@johnlegend) August 14, 2014
Recall the local cop telling those “animals” to “bring it” on CNN… He wants a fight.
— John Legend (@johnlegend) August 14, 2014
Calling us “animals” has been the language to justify slavery, Jim Crow and all manner of injustice. Dehumanization and racism go together
— John Legend (@johnlegend) August 14, 2014
Actress Reagan Gomez expresses her outrage about witnesses not being interviewed by the Ferguson Police Department.
But……they haven’t even spoken TO the witnesses yet , right? They’ve been all on the news telling the same story 2 anyone who’ll listen.
— Reagan Gomez (@ReaganGomez) August 14, 2014
R&B singer Chrisette Michele is trying to mobilize her fans to begin a movement for justice and peace.
Will you support me if I step out about this embarrassment? Racism is very much alive. it’s time for a change. Are you ready?
— chrisette michele (@ChrisetteM) August 14, 2014
Sitting with some politicians over the next few days. This is not a social media campaign. This is our society. And I am sick. Stay tuned.
— chrisette michele (@ChrisetteM) August 14, 2014
St. Louis rapper Nelly posted a tribute to Michael Brown on his Instagram, changed his IG avi to Brown’s high school graduation picture, and met with the unarmed teen’s parents.
R&B singer Elle Varner has offered prayers for Mike Brown’s family.
Over the past few tumultuous days I have prayed long and hard for Mike Brown’s family, the people of… http://t.co/wqs4b9gYUh
— Elle Veezy (@ellevarner) August 12, 2014
Wale has tweeted about Ferguson as well.
Hot 97 turnt they saying some real shyt right now . #ferguson
— Wale Folarin (@Wale) August 12, 2014
Kobe Bryant tweeted a link to an ABC news story about racial tensions in Ferguson.
#Ferguson http://t.co/uEYd0wWJtb
— Kobe Bryant (@kobebryant) August 14, 2014
PHOTO CREDIT: GettyImages
