Big Sean Speaks Out About Protests, Being Black in America
Big Sean is using his platform to demand justice and bring awareness to racism and police brutality in America.
The Detroit rapper took to social media on Monday night to address the Black Lives Matter protests in the wake of George Floyd’s killing at the hands of a white police officer. In a post titled “From the heart,” Sean called for action and said things need to change before they can get better.
“Clearly, we got the whole world’s attention, obviously,” he said in his three-minute PSA. “And justice has to be served, period. And if it’s not, I don’t think things are going to change or get better.”
Sean, who is working on his album Detroit 2, reflected on his own experience protesting. “It’s been a lot of unity but I’ve also seen a lot of people with ulterior motives that look like undercover cops…starting a lot of the conflicts, a lot of the issues,” he said. “I don’t know if it’s to make us look like we wild beasts or don’t have control, but we clearly are not wild beasts. We’re extraordinary, talented, magical people that if you took us out of the equation, the world would be very, very bland.”
He went on to address the U.S.’s history of slavery and systemic oppression. “Our ancestors built this country for free, OK? So I’m just talking from the heart right now but one of my biggest issues is that…this current government and country, is built on a racist foundation. A lot of us know this. You want to talk about systemic oppression, you want to talk about the justice system being targeted to people that look like me.”
Added Sean, “And it’s impossible to get out of once you in there, you know?… Some of the first police forces ever was made during slavery, down South, in them Southern states. And their main focus was to capture, apprehend, beat, discipline slaves, rip them apart from their families, keep them apart and God knows whatever else.”
Sean also revealed what it’s like to be black in America. “So you want to talk about land of equality and freedom? I don’t feel equal and I don’t feel free,” he said. “Of course let’s speak up and be heard, but things have to change.”
He ended by encouraging everyone to remain strong and keep up the fight. “It feels like it’s a long road ahead of us so I’m just wishing to my sisters and brothers, again, so much strength, and to everyone supporting us, black lives matter, God bless you, and I’m so proud to be black.”
Watch his powerful message below.