Awareness is the greatest agent for change.
So many white people suddenly waking up the last two weeks and educating themselves. Would that more had chosen to be open to uncomfortable truths earlier, yet grateful so many are seeking to learn and listen and more at this time.
“the least racist is still racist”
Dave, extra lyric to “Black”. Brit Awards, February 18th, 2020
On February 18th this year, Dave stepped up to perform his hit “Black”, on stage at the Brits awards. Along with millions of others, I watched it live on TV, already so blown away by his brilliance and the power of the song, and then….and then Dave stood up from the piano and unleashed a tirade of incandescent genius, then smiled, knowing he had given every ounce of his being to that performance, turned, walked off stage.
No applause, the live audience and the millions watching sat, stunned, deeply feeling what they just witnessed.
The line above is from the first verse of the extra lines he added that night.
Watch then read for more.
Awareness is the greatest agent for change.
Over to you Dave, first the video, then the extra lyrics:
It is racist, whether or not it feels racist
The truth is our Prime Minister’s a real racist
They say: “you should be grateful we’re the least racist”
I say: “the least racist is still racist”
And if somebody hasn’t said it
Equality is a right, it doesn’t deserve credit
Now if you don’t wanna get it then you’re never gonna get it
How the news treats Kate versus how they treated Meghan
Rest in peace Jack Merritt, you’re my brother in arms
There’s tears in our eyes and love in our hearts
We never had the same background, culture, colour or past
But you devoted your life to giving others a chance
And for that, I’m so taken aback
Because you gave us all a voice, I have to say it for Jack
As a young black man seeing paper and crack
Given tougher sentences, it’s just papering cracks
All we need is unity, funding for communities, equal opportunities,
People under scrutiny, no more immunity, way less hatred
More conservation, less deforestation
We want rehabilitation – now that would be amazing
But Grenfell victims still need accommodation
And we still need support for the Windrush generation
Reparations for the time our people spent on plantations
Dave, extra lyrics to “Black”. Brit Awards, February 18th, 2020