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Amid the rallies for justice for George Floyd, many of us have asked ourselves: What can we do to bring about real change when it comes to racism in America? Selena Gomez recently announced a thoughtful plan — to let black leaders take over her Instagram. With 179 million followers, Selena knows the power of her platform.

"I have been struggling to know the right things to say to get the word out about this important moment in history," she shared. "After thinking about how best to use my social media, I decided that we all need to hear more from Black voices. Over the next few days I will be highlighting influential leaders and giving them a chance to take over my Instagram so that they can speak directly to all of us. We all have an obligation to do better and we can start by listening with an open heart and mind."

First, Selena looked to Alicia Garza (@chasinggarza), the co-founder of the Black Lives Matter movement:

Alicia then posted a four-minute long video on Sel's page, where she talks about the movement, and encourages us all to check out Black Futures Lab, an organization that "works with Black people to transform our communities, building Black political power and changing the way that power operates—locally, statewide, and nationally."

Next, Selena tapped Jelani Cobb (@jelani1906), a journalist, professor and historian. "He writes and teaches mostly about the history of race in the United States and the ways that it continues to impact the lives of not only black people, but all 328+ million people sharing this country," Selena wrote.

If you follow Selena on Instagram, be sure to take the time to listen intently to what her guest posters are saying — and we totally encourage following them, too, so that you can stay engaged with powerful conversations.

Top photo: Instagram

by Jacqueline F. | 6/6/2020