By Tiffanie Drayton | Originally Published at Clutch Magazine. | Photographic Credit; Worshippers embrace following a group prayer across the street from the scene of a shooting at the Emanuel African Methodist Episcopal Church on Wednesday night. (Photograph By David Goldman/AP)

For the Black community, yesterday was a day of sadness and mourning. News that a young white gunman shot and killed 9 Black men and women in their place of worship— the historic Emanuel AME Church in Charleston— circulated tearing a gaping hole into the hearts of many Americans, Black and white alike.

Remember the nine victims shot and killed inside Emanuel AME Church in Charleston

Photographic Credit; Remember the nine victims shot and killed inside Emanuel AME Church in Charleston. WYFF 4)

But for Black entertainers, it was another day of business as usual. As the Black community continues to confront racism and hatred from not only the police force and judicial system, but average white citizens who are not only hyper vigilant but filled with hate for people of color, it is baffling that so many of these artist have not only remained silent about these issues, but even had the nerve to carry on with business as usual on some of the most historically tragic days America has faced in decades. Though there are some artists who have spoken up and offered not only condolences, but words of support.

Solange Released this tweet that spoke to all of our weary hearts:


Kerry Washington, Sanaa Lathan and Nicki Minaj offered their prayers:

Kelly Roland:

Ludacris:

Questlove:

Killer Mike:

John Legend:

Ava DuVernay:

here has also been astounding silence, as well. Or worse yet, some of these artists have been straight up disrespectfully dismissive.

Chris Brown issued tweets to market his new video:

Matter of fact, he is among a long list of artist who thought their money was more important than the Black community.

Travie McCoy released a video because he felt “golden”:

A$ap Rocky reminded us that his new album was dropping:

The Weekend hinted that his album is almost finished:

And Kendrick Lamar was too busy tweeting about hats to even publicly acknowledge the Charleston Shooting, despite the claims that he makes music for revolutionaries:

i Corduroy Curved Bill Hats are now available at http://t.co/qdvbJlkGc3 Only 100 made. #TDEpic.twitter.com/vDD4zFlR1L

— TopDawgEnt (@TopDawgEnt) June 17, 2015

If these artists did not make a statement on the day, but were respectful enough to simply not market, then there would be less harsh judgements to be made, but the “business as usual” attitudes widely displayed by these men and women spit in the face of the Black community. And guess who was more vocal than these Black artist? White ones. Hayley from Paramore had a very thoughtful statement to inject into the discussion:

Hillary Clinton:

Taylor Swift:

Even Josh Groban made a statement:

This post is not just about publicly shaming these artists, but it also serves to shame us as consumers. When will Black people demand more from Black artists? Was it not Hip-hop music that once spoke to the plight of the Black people? Now we accept music about “hoes”, “weed” and money in its place?

I think Black folks must really reevaluate who they are supporting with their dollars. It most certainly should not be individuals who do not care to reciprocate that support.

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Tiffanie Drayton is a freelance writer and graduate of The New School University. She hopes to one day return to an equal and racially tolerant America.

This piece was reprinted by EmpathyEducates with the kind permission of the Author, Tiffanie Drayton. We thank Tiffanie for her open voice, honest sharing, and for reminding all of us what it means to be caring.

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