As Black Lives Matter protests spread beyond the U.S. and all over the world, black people across the globe are taking to the streets in support of justice for George Floyd and reforms to the criminal justice system on an international level. In London, thousands gathered in Hyde Park for a rally where they heard an astonishing, deeply emotional speech from Star Wars‘ John Boyega. The speech was filmed by the Evening Standard (who bleeped a couple of choice words) and is worth watching in full.
“I need you to understand how painful it is to be reminded every day that your race means nothing,” Boyega pleads. “And that isn’t the case anymore. We are a physical representation of our support for George Floyd.” Boyega also encouraged his fellow protestors to remain peaceful and asked the black men in particular to protect the black women marching. “They are our hearts!” he said. “They are our future!”
Boyega expressed some concerns about his career after his forceful message, but many of his well-connected pals went public with messages of support and solidarity.
We stand with and support you, @JohnBoyega. View his full speech: https://t.co/Goxb5y2wrK pic.twitter.com/ZvE0t5tRPY
— Star Wars (@starwars) June 3, 2020
We got you, John. https://t.co/oX7Rr52omx
— Jordan Peele (@JordanPeele) June 3, 2020
Never been more proud of you, John. @JohnBoyega
❤️, dad https://t.co/XcXvBcblPG— Mark Hamill (@HamillHimself) June 3, 2020
I would love to work w John Boyega https://t.co/zQTIP29SVR
— Cathy Yan (@CathyYan) June 3, 2020
Next up for Boyega is Naked Singularity, with Olivia Cooke and Ed Skrein.
