John Boyega doesn’t just play a resistance leader in the movies.
During a march from Parliament to London’s Hyde Park, an impassioned Boyega spoke to the crowd about police brutality and systemic racism against Black people.
“Black people, I love you, I appreciate you, today is an important day,” he said. We are fighting for our rights, we are fighting for our ability to live in freedom, we are fighting for our ability to achieve…today you guys are a visible representation of that.”
Through tears, Boyega also talked about how “painful” it is to live as a Black person in the world and“be reminded every day that your race means nothing.”
Raw passion! @JohnBoyega delivering a painful speech at the #blacklivesmatter protest ???????? pic.twitter.com/wtCW8GQE2I
— SB.TV (@SBTVonline) June 3, 2020
“That is not the case anymore–we are a physical representation of our support of George Floyd,” he said. “…Black lives have mattered. We have always been important. We have always meant something. We have succeeded regardless. And now is the time. I ain’t waiting,” he said.
“Black lives have always mattered. We have always been important. We have always meant something. We have always succeeded regardless. And now is the time. I ain’t waiting,” @johnboyega just told #BlackLivesMatter protesters in London’s Hyde Park pic.twitter.com/P49cbwIp6P
— Haley Ott (@haleyjoelleott) June 3, 2020
Boyega has been lauded online for his bravery and commitment, with many Twitter users citing how he is living up the ideals of his Star Wars character Finn. But for Boyega, none of his commitment to freedom and justice have to do with his film roles or career.
“I’m speaking to you from my heart,” he said. Look, I don’t know if I’m going to have a career after this, but f**k that.”
“Today is about innocent people who were halfway through their process,” he said. “We don’t know what George Floyd could have achieved, we don’t know what Sandra Bland could have achieved, but today we’re going to make sure that won’t be an alien thought to our young ones.”
READ MORE:
White Parents Triggered After Nickelodeon Airs Nearly 9 Minutes Of Breathing To Honor George Floyd
‘Just Mercy’ Made Available For Free By Warner Bros. To Educate On ‘Systemic Racism’
Actors Griffin Newman, Stephanie Beatriz Call On Hollywood To Pay Reparations For Copaganda
Photo: Getty Images
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