Talib Kweli, Michael Ealy, and Javale McGee Join Aloe Blacc For an Okayplayer Virtual Artist Chat

Topics included ongoing protests and ideas on how the Black community can create change.

On Thursday evening, Aloe Blacc recruited a few friends for an Okayplayer exclusive special artists' chat. Over the course of an hour and 20 minutes, Talib Kweli, Michael Ealy, and Javale McGee joined in.

The Grammy nominee discussed ongoing protests, the death of George Floyd, and more. View the full discussion on Instagram TV.

Over the last few weeks, McGee has urged other athletes to use their platforms as he has. "Use your voice," he recently posted on Instagram, "use your platform. Don't be silent. Protect black lives." Along with LeBron James and other members of the Los Angeles Lakers, McGee also posted the simple message "If YOU aint wit US, WE ain't with Y'ALL."

The Lakers released an official statement on Saturday night. "Everyone has the right to live free from fear and to be treated and dignity with respect," it reads. "We hear the pain of our Black community and we will not stay silent."

Michael Ealy recently posted a collage featuring dozens of victims of police brutality. "With every one of these lives lost," he wrote, "there is a family still struggling for answers."

Aloe Blacc has made use of his platform, even during this period of self-isolation. Two weeks ago, he played a virtual concert with The National frontman Matt Berninger to raise awareness for youth homelessness. The event featured Nathan Willett of Cold War Kids, Grouplove, Young the Giant, and Phantom Planet. The event boosted donations to Los Angeles' Safe Place for Youth organization.