The United States hip-hop star, Justin Bieber has acknowledged the huge influence of black culture on his musical career as he vowed to fight against racial injustice and inequality.
βI am inspired by black culture. I have benefited off of black culture,β the βSorryβ singer, wrote via Instagram on Saturday, June 6. βMy style, how I sing, dance, perform, and my fashion have all been influenced and inspired by black culture.β
He further added, βI am committed to using my platform from this day forward to learn, to speak up about racial injustice and systemic oppression, and to identify ways to be a part of much-needed change.β
Bieber has been outspoken about the Black Lives Matter movement in the wake of George Floydβs death while in police custody in May, and which has sparked protests in the U.S. and worldwide.
βNo lives matter until black lives matter,β the Grammy winner posted via Instagram on May 28. One day later, the βIntentionsβ singer encouraged his followers to βrise from the dark and desolate valley of segregation.β
On Saturday, Bieber also paid tribute to Breonna Taylor, who was shot 8 times and killed by police who entered her home in March, and would have celebrated her 27th birthday on June 5. He then enjoined his fans to honor Taylorβs memory by taking actions including signing a petition to have the officers involved in her death arrested.
The Canada native lend his voice against racism in December 2019 when he apologized for his past behavior, including saying the N-word at age 14.
βWhen I was young I was uneducated and found myself saying really hurtful things not knowing the power of my words,β Bieber wrote via Instagram at the time. βRacism Is still very prevalent and I want to use my voice to remind we are all human being and all of EQUAL VALUE BEFORE GOD!β
