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Storm Reid, Lil Nas X and more Atlanta celebs react on third day of protests

By Kiersten Willis
June 1, 2020

Sunday marked another day of protests in Atlanta amid similar events occurring in cities throughout the U.S. in response to the death of George Floyd. Floyd died in Minneapolis when a police officer pinned him for minutes with a knee on his neck while he was in handcuffs.

As objects were tossed toward law enforcement downtown and officers responded with tear gas, night three of the peaceful-turned-violent protest in Georgia's capital city brought more reaction from local celebrities.

» RELATED: Complete coverage: Atlanta protests

Atlanta native and actress Storm Reid took to Instagram to share a lengthy message that said in part, “As I sit here looking at what’s going on in the world right now, it feels as though nothing has changed.”

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Today marks the 99th anniversary of the Tulsa race massacre when mobs of white residents attacked black residents and businesses. As I sit here looking at what’s going on in the world right now, it feels as though nothing has changed. As I started reading “The Fire Next Time” by James Baldwin last night, it only confirmed the disturbing examination of the continuations of racial injustices he examined is what we are still withstanding today. As he talked about the loveless world in which we operate through something, he said, indeed, struck a core with me. He said, “to act is to be committed, and to be committed is to be in danger. In this case, the danger, in the minds of white Americans, is the loss of their identity.” I think it’s time for a lot of people to rethink who they indeed are deep down inside, so hardships like these won’t continue to happen. Stop using your criminal power to be feared and “respected” that’s not real power. As always, we will continue the fight to be genuinely seen and live without the fear of dying. We must remember what they believe and what they cause us to endure does not testify to our inferiority, but their inhumanity and fear. 🤎 #BLM // PC: @sageaflocka

A post shared by Storm Reid 💥💫 (@stormreid) on

Additionally, Ciara, who grew up in Atlanta, acknowledged her son, Future Zahir. The singer shares the 6-year-old with Atlanta rapper Future.

“My sweet Baby Boy. I pray that when you get older A CHANGE will finally have come!! I’m going to keep my FAITH! I’m praying that the losses of our Black Kings and Queens won’t be in vain. Enough is Enough!” she said in part on Instagram.

» RELATED: Protesters gather for the third day in downtown Atlanta

Lil Nas X, whose real name is Montero Lamar Hill, has spoken out on Twitter, a message he also posted on Instagram.

“this riot/protest situation is the same as a child being bullied at school. you are silent while they are being mistreated but upset when they finally snap back. had u spoke up while they were being mistreated they wouldn’t have had to snap back. silence equals complicity,” the Lithia Springs native said. He added in the caption, “be safe.”

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be safe 🤍🤍🤍

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Producer Jermaine Dupri, who has spoken out on day one of the protests, tweeted at CNN anchor Don Lemon following his viral remarks calling out the Hollywood stars, whom he said.

“You keep talking about racism @donlemon and not addressing the issue,why are the cops not in jail ?” read one of Dupri’s tweets.

» RELATED: Tyler Perry, Offset and Big Boi among Atlanta celebs reacting amid ongoing protests

Clifford “T.I.” Harris, who previously spoke out Friday and Saturday, took to Instagram again Sunday to highlight how Atlanta stands out from other cities.

“THATS WHAT MAKES ATLANTA DIFFERENT‼️ NOT JUST THE MATERIAL ASSETS AND POSSESSIONS WE HAVE BUILT AND ACQUIRED...I'm extremely proud of all the people (especially young people) committed to speaking truth to power & fight for change,” he said. “I'd gladly dedicate all my efforts,energy,attention, & resources to aid & assist strategic actions WITH PURPOSE that can bring about a solution to the problems we face.”

T.I. also praised Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms, who announced today that two Atlanta police officers had been fired after complaints that they used excessive force.

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I saw this last night & went 🤬 !!! We have Been speaking with @keishabottoms since last night to find out the details of the situation. Since then she's watched all the body cam of all officers & saw enough fault to terminate the 2 officers who unnecessarily used their tasers & dropped all charges against the two innocent young people who were victims of this abuse of power. I'm so sorry that they had to go through this. They did nothing wrong & didn't deserve this aggressive treatment. But the fact that I saw this last night,& was able to get it to the mayor & in less than 24hrs got results.... THATS WHAT MAKES ATLANTA DIFFERENT‼️ NOT JUST THE MATERIAL ASSETS AND POSSESSIONS WE HAVE BUILT AND ACQUIRED...I'm extremely proud of all the people (especially young people) committed to speaking truth to power & fight for change. I'd gladly dedicate all my efforts,energy,attention,& resources to aid & assist strategic actions WITH PURPOSE that can bring about a solution to the problems we face. Anytime,anywhere,any way I can add value or be of any assistance.... I'm IN.... til then... stay safe & keep applying pressure... WITH PURPOSE THO‼️ #LoveandRespect

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About the Author

Kiersten Willis is a native advertising specialist at the AJC.

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