Janelle Monáe and Jidenna March for Black Lives in Philadelphia

By Sameer Rao Aug 13, 2015

Janelle Monáe and Jidenna March for Black Lives in Philadelphia

Philadelphia residents who met yesterday afternoon to march against police brutality and for black lives received a pleasant surprise in the form of two of RnB’s biggest superstars. 

Janelle Monáe and her Wondaland labelmate Jidenna, with whom she’s responsible for the catchy-as-hell "Yoga," led protestors and activists carrying signs with messages like "Black Lives Matter," "Black Girl Magic," and "Black Joy." The two also spoke to protestors (Jidenna with his trademark 3-piece suit and cane) and led them "say his name" and "say her name" chants. 

"You’re going to say his name and say her name," said Monáe to protestors, adding, "Can I get a clap?"

Despite the presence of Commissioner of Police Charles Ramsey on President Obama’s anti-brutality task force, Philadelphia continues to wrestle with notable instances of police shootings and corruption. In an unsettling echo of LAPD Crash Scandal, six Philadelphia narcotics officers were tried on multitudinous corruption charges, with five being acquitted in late July. 

Check out photos and video from the protest below via the Philadelphia Student Union, a local group dedicated to youth organizing around a variety of anti-poverty and racial justice initiatives. 

 

 

(H/t Billboard) 

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#SayHerNameArchiveArts & CultureBlack Lives Matter MovementJanelle MonaeJidennaMediaPhiladelphia ProtestPolice Brutality