Harry Styles, Niall Horan, and Liam Payne Protest for Black Lives Matter
Former One Direction members Harry Styles, Niall Horan, and Liam Payne take part in respective protests in London for the Black Lives Matter movement.
While it has been noticed how much the boys support important social issues in America, it is encouraging seeing them marching peacefully alongside others in London. Styles and Horan are shown taking photos with protesters, while Payne attends with his girlfriend Maya Henry in Hyde Park.
This why I Stan Liam Payne Harry Styles and Niall horan ❤️❤️✊✊✊ pic.twitter.com/f1RzQxAcEv
— harry Tomlinson (@0_madison2) June 3, 2020
By participating in these protests, this shows how they use their white privilege to stand for what is right. Even though the Black Lives Matter movement begun to raise awareness against injustices in America, the movement has transcended into other parts of the world.
Harry Styles protesting pic.twitter.com/eVUqcxxWgE
— h☆ #blacklivesmater (@hjacquemuse) June 3, 2020
Styles has been an active advocate for diversity since his solo artist journey began, and he has had no problem using his privilege to highlight diverse voices.
I do things every day without fear, because I am privileged, and I am privileged every day because I am white.
Being not racist is not enough, we must be anti racist.
Social change is enacted when a society mobilizes.
I stand in solidarity with all of those protesting. pic.twitter.com/45MSXAWEJl— Harry Styles. (@Harry_Styles) May 30, 2020
I’m donating to help post bail for arrested organizers.
Look inwards, educate yourself and others.
LISTEN, READ, SHARE, DONATE and VOTE.
ENOUGH IS ENOUGH.
BLACK LIVES MATTER.— Harry Styles. (@Harry_Styles) May 30, 2020
Horan took the liberty to go on Twitter to share a story of him talking to his black neighbor about all that is happening in the world. The takeaway of the neighbor’s compassion, understanding, and looking towards the future was what was most inspiring to him in the end. He also made a note on the importance of voting for the primary elections in America.
I just bumped into my neighbour, a young black man and we had the most amazing conversation about what’s going on in the world. He himself grew up in an area where racism was rampant, had many sad dealings with brutal law enforcement. But…….
— Niall Horan (@NiallOfficial) June 2, 2020
His attitude is one that I had goosebumps listening to. He said he always tries to look forward, he wants to educate people, he doesn’t want people rioting in the streets for him. He wants people to protest peacefully and as I said ‘educate people’. Protest safely for our friends
— Niall Horan (@NiallOfficial) June 2, 2020
Hugely important primaries upcoming in the US!! To have the ability to vote is power, please use it. educate yourselves on your candidates and get voting.
— Niall Horan (@NiallOfficial) June 2, 2020
Payne chose the simple route, posting a photo of protesters in a group together with posters. One poster described, “We Stand Together” in bold, capital letters.
BLACK LIVES MATTER pic.twitter.com/pjvmazCxYY
— Liam (@LiamPayne) June 3, 2020
For Styles, Horan, and Payne — artists who are from the U.K. and Ireland, respectively — it’s amazing to see their contributions towards equality and racial justice in America.
