Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson took to his social media to deliver an impassioned address to Donald Trump in the wake of the George Floyd protests that have swept the globe.The wrestler-turned-actor implored those in power in America to do the right thing for the country, and asked them: “Where are you? Where is our leader?“At this time when our country is down on its knees, begging, pleading, hurt, angry, frustrated, in pain? Just wanting to be heard.”The Rock criticised Trump’s policy of deploying the military against the peaceful protestors in the eight-minute speech posted on his social media.Johnson’s post has been viewed over a million times by those on Twitter with over 100,000 retweets and likes.It was a speech that had a Presidential integrity and sensitivity, where Johnson urged America to go down a route of normalising equality.He later thanked the protestors from all corners of the world for showing their solidarity with the #BlackLivesMatter movement.George Floyd was killed on May 25 by police officers. #BlackLivesMatter protests soon swept through America, initiating in Minnesota on May 26, before reaching all 50 States and dozens of countries across the world by the end of the week.Many took to social media this Tuesday to ‘blackout’, which featured several organisations in a move designed to show solidarity and allow black voices to be heard.A number of Premier League clubs have collectively taken a knee, with Borussia Monchengladbach forward Marcus Thuram doing so after scoring in the Bundesliga on Sunday.
Jadon Sancho and Achraf Hakimi, following their goals for Borussia Dortmund the same day, unveiled messages of support for George Floyd and his family.
Floyd Mayweather has pitched in and paid for George Floyd’s funeral, to take place in his hometown of Houston next week, as well as additional services in Minnesota and North Carolina.
In a time of desperate negativity, positives can be taken from the rise of the #BlackLivesMatter as well as the collective philanthropy.
Thousands have donated to funds that will secure bail money for protestors that have been arrested.
In a protest at Hyde Park in London this week, John Boyega led proceedings and delivered a poignant message to the thousands in attendance.