Blackout Tuesday, promoted with #blackouttuesday, took place on what date?
Answer
June 2, 2020
Blackout Tuesday, promoted with #blackouttuesday, took place on June 2, 2020.
The collective action began within the music industry as a response to racism and police brutality, amid worldwide protests following the killing of George Floyd. It also referenced the killings of Ahmaud Arbery and Breonna Taylor. Music companies and artists paused normal activity, encouraged reflection, and used social media to signal solidarity.
The date was a Tuesday, which explains the campaign’s name. Participants on Instagram and Facebook commonly posted a plain black square beside the hashtag. Some broadcasters and streaming services also interrupted or simplified programming, sometimes with an 8-minute-46-second silence reflecting the length of time initially reported for George Floyd’s neck compression.
A common mix-up is confusing Blackout Tuesday with earlier or related events on June 1, including separate television tributes. The action itself is generally dated June 2, 2020, although organizations announced plans in the preceding days.