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Leigh-Anne Pinnock shares emotional Black Lives Matter speech

Photo credit: Leigh-Anne Pinnock - Instagram
Photo credit: Leigh-Anne Pinnock - Instagram

From Digital Spy

Little Mix star Leigh-Anne Pinnock has shared an important and empowering speech detailing her own experiences of racism as part of the music industry.

The singer began by sending her condolences to George Floyd's family and all other families affected by police brutality, before reading out a letter she had written that addresses inequality in the music industry.

"We cannot see this as a moment, this has to be a movement until the system designed to oppress us is no more," she said.

"There comes a point in every Black human's life, no matter how much money you have or what you have achieved, you realise that racism does not exclude you.

Photo credit: Leigh-Anne Pinnock - Instagram
Photo credit: Leigh-Anne Pinnock - Instagram

Related: Rachel Adedeji calls out Hollyoaks for their Black Lives Matter statement

"Nine years ago, when I joined Little Mix, I had the biggest awakening of my life. When we were filming 'Wings' [I was told] 'You are the Black girl, you have to work 10 times harder'".

An emotional Leigh-Anne continued, stating: "You learn to understand you can't be seen to be too loud or too opinionated, otherwise you are deemed a diva or aggressive. You learn that by walking into a room you are deemed unapproachable or offish before anyone has even approached you.

"My reality was feeling lonely while touring to predominantly white countries. I sing to fans who don't hear me, or see me, or cheer me on.

Related: Digital Spy Black Lives Matter statement

"My reality is feeling anxious before gigs or signings because I always feel like I'm the least favoured. My reality is constantly feeling like I have to work 10 times harder and longer to mark my place in the group because my talent alone isn't enough...

"Let's all continue to speak up on racism and keep this movement going."

Other stars have been using their platforms to speak out against systemic racism and raise awareness of ways for people to educate themselves or make donations. Dwayne Johnson too called out President Donald Trump for the use of military force in protests.


For more information on how you can support Black Lives Matter, please visit its official website or donate here. Readers can also donate to the UK anti-discrimination group Stand Up To Racism, and the Unite Families & Friends Campaign, which supports those affected by deaths in police, prison and psychiatric custody.


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