John Boyega has urged people to “maintain momentum” of the Black Lives Matter movement in the pursuit of “long-term solutions and commitments”.
The Star Wars actor shared a post on Instagram, in which he thanked fans for their “love and support” following his powerful speech at the anti-racism protests last week.
John said he was “excited to see an awakening happening in all of us”, as he spoke of his hopes for the future.
“I want to thank you all for the love and support you have shared over the last few days, although nothing I have done is for praise, or is truly even enough, in the grand scheme of things,” he wrote.
“This is an intense time for our community, and the most important thing is for us to maintain momentum and not lose sight of how critical it is to pursue long term solutions and commitments, for the sake of our generation, and the next.
“Our individual pursuits of success and belonging remain, but now more than ever, it’s important to use this movement as fuel to inspire new ways of thinking, building, and growing, together. I believe any great movement starts with a renewal of the mind.”
He continued: “I know you’re all thinking, what’s next? Where do we go from here? Because I’m thinking the same shit! Conversations about black businesses, ownership and support are happening, and I will continue to have these conversations with the full intention of birthing ideas that are sustainable and tangible. Let’s increase our knowledge! I’m excited to see an awakening happening in all of us!”
John said he will continue to “use my platform to fight against the injustices and inequalities” and called on everyone to join him.
He said: “One man can’t do it alone – I need you, and we need each other! We need everyone, across industries, soci-economic backgrounds, countries, to unite with a shared goal of REAL change.”
John also shared some images of a few schools he visited in Southwark, London, before the coronavirus pandemic, saying it was an “eye opening and inspiring” experience to learn about the “minds and needs of our next generation”.
“I look forward to continuing this work, and contributing more, once it is safe to do so,” he said. “I urge the black men of our community, my peers, to do the same. Connecting with our kids and motivating them towards a future that is stronger and brighter, is urgent, and necessary.”
He added: “In the meantime, let’s work on clearing the runway for them, so they can take off, and fly. Love everyone, and stay safe x.”
Since the killing of George Floyd last month, there have been mass protests around the world against police brutality and in support of Black Lives Matter.
During his rousing speech in Hyde Park last week, John paid tribute to George, as well as namechecking other Black people who have died at the hands of police in both the UK and US.
