Historic

Celebrities, Signs, and Symbols: Engaging in Black Lives Matter Activism Through Body and Dress Practices

---

Abstract

The #BlackLivesMatter (BLM) movement started in 2013 as a social media hashtag in response to the continued and disproportionate killings of unarmed Black people by police. We explored how historically celebrities have publicly supported the BLM movement through signs, symbols, and fashions. The numerous examples across time highlight different celebrities’ connection to and support of the movement. Body position, support through fashion, and historical reference were the different ways celebrities supported the movement. These celebrities have used their visibility in society to support and promote the BLM movement as they capture the attention of millions of people in the world. They have forced the public to listen, even if they do not want to, despite the critical attention and outcomes it may cause such as forever damaging their reputation for some viewers or losing their multi-million-dollar career.

How to Cite:

Matthews, D. & Reddy Best, K. L., (2019) “Celebrities, Signs, and Symbols: Engaging in Black Lives Matter Activism Through Body and Dress Practices”, International Textile and Apparel Association Annual Conference Proceedings 76(1). doi: https://doi.org/10.31274/itaa.8416