(Photo: DFree/Shutterstock.com)
John Boyega has taken part in a Black Lives Matter rally in London this week, speaking out about the pain of racism.
The actor who plays Finn in the recent Star Wars films, delivered a passionate, three minute speech through a megaphone as thousands peacefully protested alongside him.
“I’m speaking to you from my heart. Look, I don’t know if I’m going to have a career after this but f*** that!” he says.
“I need you to understand how painful this s*** is. I need you to understand how painful it is to be reminded every day that your race means nothing and that isn’t the case anymore. That was never the case anymore,” the actor continues.
“Black lives have always mattered. We have always been important. We have always meant something. We have always succeeded regardless. And now is the time. I ain’t waiting.”
He thanked the crowd for showing up and asked everyone to “take a knee.”
His speech has widely been shared on social media and a number of actors, filmmakers and directors including Olivia Wilde and Matthew A.Cherry have been sharing messages of support:
Absolutely. I would be honored to work with @JohnBoyega and can only hope to have the chance. We’ve got your back, John. Don’t hold back. https://t.co/4d5gA3RRkj
— olivia wilde (@oliviawilde) June 3, 2020
I would work with John Boyega and I urge other Non-Black creators to affirm that they have his back as well. https://t.co/SqXgmIS5aR
— Matthew A. Cherry (@MatthewACherry) June 3, 2020
Of course his Star Wars family is standing by him too:
We stand with and support you, @JohnBoyega. View his full speech: https://t.co/Goxb5y2wrK pic.twitter.com/ZvE0t5tRPY
— Star Wars (@starwars) June 3, 2020
Never been more proud of you, John. @JohnBoyega
❤️, dad https://t.co/XcXvBcblPG— Mark Hamill (@HamillHimself) June 3, 2020