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:

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Please meet Alicia Garza (@chasinggarza). She co-created #BlackLivesMatter, runs the @BlackFuturesLab to make Black communities powerful, has her own podcast at @ladydonttakenopod, and is an all around force for change. Alicia is taking over my account today!

A post shared by Selena Gomez (@selenagomez) on Jun 5, 2020 at 8:33am PDT

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."

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I’m one of the co-creators of @blklivesmatter and run the @blackfutureslab where we work to make Black communities powerful in politics. Taking a minute here to talk about what’s going on, explain why people are protesting, and provide ways for you to get involved. Thank you to Selena for giving us this platform! And thanks to you all for listening. Check out my story for resources and ways to get involved in this moment, and after. Talk to you soon!⠀ ⠀ — Alicia Garza (@chasinggarza)

A post shared by Selena Gomez (@selenagomez) on Jun 5, 2020 at 11:14am PDT

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.

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Please meet Jelani Cobb (@jelani1906). He is a journalist at the New Yorker, a Professor at Columbia University and a historian. Jelani has written several books including The Substance of Hope: Barack Obama and the Paradox of Progress, and To the Break of Dawn, which is about the origins of hip hop culture. 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. Jelani is taking over my Instagram today!

A post shared by Selena Gomez (@selenagomez) on Jun 6, 2020 at 9:03am PDT

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

POSTED IN Selena Gomez