The activist group Blackout For Human Rights has gathered together several prominent black actors, creators, and influencers for a video series called “My Life Matters.” The videos are focused on raising awareness about police brutality. The black creators discuss their personal and professional accomplishments before sharing the story of a black person who was unable to accomplish such achievements in their own life because they were killed by police or vigilantes. The project calls attention to victims like Tamir Rice, Eric Garner, Sandra Bland, Rekia Boyd, Renisha McBride, Darrius Stewart, Freddie Gray, Tanisha Anderson, Trayvon Martin, and many more.
There are four videos in the series. The first features Creed director Ryan Coogler, Selma star David Oyelowo, and former E! new host/actor Terrence J:
The second showcases actor/TV personality La La Anthony, Selma director Ava Duvernay, Being Mary Jane creator Mara Brock Akil, and Common:
The third video features The Knick’s André Holland, producer Will Packer, Justified’s Erica Tazel, and Real Husbands Of Hollywood’s Boris Kodjoe:
And the fourth and final video intercuts interviews from many different actors, filmmakers, and lawyers:
The series also calls to mind Mic’s #23Ways campaign, which brought together celebrities like Alicia Keys, Beyoncé, and Chris Rock to draw attention to 23 everyday activities black people were doing when they were murdered by police or vigilantes—from selling CDs to riding in a car.
[via Mic]