Harry Styles Speaks Out on Anti-Racism
‘Historically, I can’t think of any industry that has benefited more off of Black culture than music’
Add to Harry Styles’ list of accomplishments—including being the Variety Hitmaker of the Year, having three hit singles in 2020, and being extremely good at fashion—work as a social justice ally.
The musician and erstwhile One Direction-er told Variety that this summer’s protests and uprisings in support of Black Lives Matter inspired him to speak out about the importance of being anti-racist:
Talking about race can be really uncomfortable for everyone. I had a realization that my own comfort in the conversation has nothing to do with the problem — like that’s not enough of a reason to not have a conversation. Looking back, I don’t think I’ve been outspoken enough in the past. Using that feeling has pushed me forward to being open and ready to learn… How can I ensure from my side that in 20 years, the right things are still being done and the right people are getting the right opportunities? That it’s not a passing thing?
Styles is using his platform to push for change in the music industry at large. “Historically, I can’t think of any industry that has benefited more off of Black culture than music,” he says. “There are discussions that need to happen about this long history of not being paid fairly. It’s a time for listening.”
